IPL 2020 Looks Certain To Be Cancelled With No Mega Auctions Next Year

It now looks certain that Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 would be cancelled and not happen this year due to Coronavirus pandemic. However, the news is not yet officially confirmed by the Indian cricket board.

The board is still waiting for an official announcement from the government of India on issuance of visas to the foreign players.

The issue will officially discussed by the BCCI with the IPL franchises after April 15. The meeting will be held when the national lockdown initiated by the Indian government is completed.

IPL 2020 cancelled to happen this year

Issuance of all foreign visas have been suspended by the Indian government until April 15 2020.  There will be no mega auction, if the IPL 2020 is cancelled and conducted next year due to Coronavirus outbreak.

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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 25, 2020

The status quo would be maintained and IPL franchises would be allowed to select players if needed. The mega auction was scheduled to take place in 2021.

A source in the administration of IPL said “IPL will not happen this year. It will now happen next year. We all know how the situation is at the moment in the country and no one will take any risk. One can’t have social distancing in the stadium. It’s better to play IPL next year. Also, no mega auction will take place. We will inform the franchises once we get final confirmation from the Indian government, the same season can continue next season.”

With many sporting events around the world called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the postponement of Tokyo Olympics 2020, BCCI is hesitant to take any risks by playing cricket.

In a statement to the local media, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said “The BCCI along with all the IPL franchises have reiterated BCCI’s stand of putting the safety and well-being of fans, athletes, and employees as a priority. The board will continue to monitor and work closely with the Government of India, state governments and other states regulatory bodies to decide on the future course of action in the best interest of public health.”

Suspension of Zonal camps

Some sources in the India media have reported that BCCI will suspend the National Cricket Academy (NCA) zonal camp. The NCA camp was about to take place in India during the summer season.

India’s junior selection committee picks team for Zonal camp. No selection meeting has yet taken place.

NCA conducts these camps for training batsmen, spinners and fast bowlers. It also employees various coaches to conduct these camps.

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