IPL To Remain Unaffected By Coronavirus, Tournament Will Start On Schedule

Even as Coronavirus makes its way to India, IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel has ruled out any change to the IPL 2020 schedule. He has assured that the authorities are keeping tabs on the situation.

The first match of the upcoming IPL tournament is between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. M.S. Dhoni will lead the Chennai Super Kings while Mumbai Indians will play under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Chennai Super Kings lost to Mumbai Indians in their last outing which was the IPL 2019 finale. The team will be looking to prove themselves against the current IPL champions.

When asked if the IPL 2020 will in any way be affected by the Coronavirus outbreak, Patel said, “There is no threat as of now and we are keeping a tab (on the situation).”

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly also said that there was no threat to the IPL or the upcoming South Africa series. “Nothing in India. Not even discussed it (Coronavirus)'” said Ganguly. The South Africa series begins on March 12 and another senior BCCI official confirmed that the South African team was arriving as per the schedule for the three-match ODI series.

Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan City in China, has claimed over 3,000 lives. South Korea has reported nearly 500 new coronavirus cases on Monday. It has infected nearly 89,000 people globally and has spread to more than 70 countries.

The virus has disrupted many high profile sporting events, concerts, and flights.

ALSO READ: What Are The Symptoms Of The New Coronavirus?