IPL on TV? Govt drops hints amid COVID-19

March 12, 2020 15:30

The BCCI kept mum but the Sports Ministry on Thursday dropped hints that the IPL could be held in empty stadiums due to the COVID-19 pandemic even as foreign players were ruled out of the glitzy event till April 15 following government-imposed travel restrictions.

IPL in empty stadiums would be up for discussion at the event's Governing Council meeting on Saturday and the BCCI has decided to adopt a wait and watch policy till then. The T20 tournament is due to start on March 29 in Mumbai.

However, the Sports ministry has asked all national federations, including the cricket board, to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events. "...ensure that no public gathering takes place in any sporting event. In the event the sporting event cannot be avoided, the same could be done wihout allowing gathering of people, including spectators," read an order from the Sports ministry.

Sports Secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya reiterated the ministry's position while talking to PTI. "We have asked all the NSFs, including the BCCI, to follow the Health Ministry's latest advisory, which says public gatherings should be avoided in all events, including sporting activities," Julaniya said.

The outbreak, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday, has led to more than 4,000 deaths globally.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Does Your Insurance Policy Need A Rider?

A rider is a supplementary cover which can be purchased with the base policy by paying an additional premium.

Does Mbappe Have A Twin?

Kylian Mbappe unveiled a waxwork in Paris before it is transferred to Madame Tussauds in Berlin.

Will Dhoni, Kohli Bowl On Saturday?!

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli were spotted bowling during their net sessions.

Maliwal records statement; Kejriwal's aide skips NCW summons

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar did not appear before the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday in connection with alleged assault on Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.

NIA books Mumbai man in Pak plot to honeytrap Navy personnel

The NIA has charge sheeted Mumbai resident Amaan Salim Shaikh, a key accused in a conspiracy by Pakistani intelligence operatives to honey trap Indian Navy personnel to gather secret information on defence establishments, an official...