IPL 2021 postponed ‘indefinitely’ following several players testing positive for Covid-19

Since several players and staffers from various IPL teams tested positive for Covid-19, the 2021 edition of Indian Premier League is being suspended indefinitely. In an emergency meeting, the Governing Council of the Indian Premier League and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) concurred to defer the IPL 2021 season with immediately.

Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary has said, "The BCCI and the IPL GC have unanimously decided to postpone the 2021 season till further notice. We don't wish to compromise the safety of the players, the people involved, the employees, the groundsmen, the match officials, every single person involved."

UPDATE: The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season with immediate effect.

Details - https://t.co/OgYXPj9FQypic.twitter.com/lYmjBId8gL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2021

The decision came on the heels of two Chennai Super Kings players testing positive, and two Kolkata Knight Riders players, VarunChakaravarthy and SandeepWarrierwho also tested positive for the virus, prompting the BCCI to delay the KKR-RCB match in Ahmedabad.

Following which WriddhimanSaha of Sunrisers Hyderabad tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday morning, which was the final stroke for the league to be suspended.

IPL expressed its intent in ensuring secure transportation for players back to their homes. The league in a statement said, "The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.”

Brijesh Patel, IPL Chairman has confirmed that the league’s authorities will attempt to conclude the current edition of IPL in “the next available window”, also expressing its unlikelihood to happen in the month of May.

Owing to travel restrictions levied in the aftermath of a devastating second wave in India, foreigners participating in the IPL are worried about returning to their respective countries as many nations have closed their borders for Indian flights. The BCCI has previously assured international players of a secure return.

The IPL Chairman also confirmed that notion, he said, "We need to send them home and we will find a way to do that.”