The Indian Premier League governing council will meet on Saturday, 14 March, to decide whether this year's tournament should go ahead.
The World Health Organization recently declared the coronavirus a pandemic. The spread of the virus has seen several global sporting events cancelled or postponed, including the Everest Premier League in Nepal and T20I series between the World XI and Asia XI in Bangladesh.
“The franchises have been great in updating players pretty much daily on how that looks and will effect anything going forward. We are just concentrating on tomorrow, I know it's difficult when it's a pandemic now. It's going to be tough, no doubt they'll be some restrictions in place for teams, fans and grounds,” said Australian batsman Aaron Finch, who is part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for the 2020 IPL.
“It would be weird to play in an empty stadium, no doubt. You get so accustomed to the atmosphere of the fans who ride the momentum, especially at home with the Australian fans who support us so well. If it comes to that we'll wait and see, I saw the NBA being suspended for the near future. It's interesting to see, not ideal obviously. A lot of people effected which is unfortunate.”
Overseas players in doubt
The participation of players from abroad is in major doubt, as the Indian government has suspended several visas until mid-April 2020. The IPL is scheduled to start in late March.
“Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus disease. In view of above, it is advised that mass gatherings may be avoided or possibly be postponed untill the disease spread is contained,” read an advisory from India's health ministry.
“In case any such mass gatherings are organized, States may take necessary action guide the organisers on precautions to be taken as per the risk communication material already sent so as to avoid any severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases and influenza illness (ILs) including Covid-19.”
