The Board of Control for Cricket in India have suspended this year's edition of the Indian Premier League indefinitely.
The start of the 2020 IPL was moved from 29 March to 15 April as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The start of the tournament was again deferred this week, after Indian prime minister Narendra Modi extended a travel ban and other preventative measures until 3 May.
“Due to the evolving global health concerns regarding the coronavirus and lockdown measures implemented by the government of India to contain the spread of the pandemic, the IPL governing council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 season will be suspended until further notice,” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
“The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority and as such, the BCCI along with the franchise owners, broadcaster, sponsors and all the stakeholders acknowledge that the IPL 2020 season will only commence when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
“The BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders and will continue to take guidance from the government of India, state governments and other state regulatory bodies.”
The Mumbai Indians are the reigning IPL champions, having beaten the Chennai Super Kings in the 2019 final. Mumbai's four titles are the most in the history of the tournament. Chennai have won three. The Kolkata Knight Riders have two. The Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural final in 2008. The Sunrisers Hyderabad also have one title.
The now-defunct Deccan Chargers won an IPL title in 2009. The Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab have never won the IPL.
BCCI vice-president resigns
Meanwhile, BCCI vice-president Mahim Verma has resigned.
Verma submitted a resignation letter to BCCI chief executive officer Rahul Johri after being elected secretary for the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand.
“I needed to take take care of my state association which wasn't being run smoothly. I have sent my resignation to CEO Rahul Johri. I am sure it will be accepted as senior office-bearers are in the loop,” Verma told the Press Trust of India.
“I have already told about my compulsions to the secretary, Jay Shah. If I hadn't gone back and taken charge of the state body, the association would have been in a mess. That's why I contested the election.”
