IPL 2020 postponed due to coronavirus, BCCI releases new date

The commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been rescheduled to 15th April from 29th March as a preventative measure against the coronavirus pandemic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a statement on Friday.

The BCCI’s statement comes in the wake of the announcement made by the Delhi government that it will no allow any sporting events in the national capital because of the health crisis. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to suspend IPL 2020 till 15th April 2020, as a precautionary measure against the ongoing Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) situation," the cricket board said in a statement.

"The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience."

"The BCCI will work closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other relevant Central and State Government departments in this regard," the statement added.

Earlier, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia had stated that congregations of over 200 people at sporting events will not be permitted until further notice "for the purpose of prevention and control of the outbreak of the epidemic disease, COVID-19".

Delhi is home to the Delhi Capitals IPL team.

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