IPL suspended indefinitely
The Indian Premier League has been suspended indefinitely after further positive tests for Covid were revealed inside the bio-secure bubble in which the tournament has been staged so far.
Four franchises have now confirmed positive cases following the first positive case on Monday when Kolkata Knight Riders legspinner, Varun Chakravarthy, is believed to have contracted the virus when he left the bubble under medical supervision to have a scan. KKR seam bowler Sandeep Warrier also tested positive.
Chennai Super Kings also announced on Monday that the entire squad would be going into quarantine for a week after positive tests emerged within their squad including bowling coach L Balaji.
Since then Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed that wicketkeeper Wriddiman Saha had tested positive and Delhi Capitals said veteran legspinner Amit Mishra was also among those to have tested positive.
IPL chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed the suspension of the tournament “for the safety of the players and all the stakeholders” but the immediate future is unclear.
It is possible that a 10-14 day hiatus may be attempted with all teams remaining in quarantine and, should they all provide a clean bill of health after that period, the tournament could resume with the remaining matches all being played at Mumbai’s three international venues. However, it remains doubtful that many of the players will have the appetite to continue after another two weeks of inactive lockdown in their hotel rooms.