Delhi bans IPL matches over Coronavirus outbreak

Hyderabad: In what is possibly the first major step to contain spread of COVID-19 at major public gatherings, and one that could can potentially deliver a major jolt to the ensuing Season 13 of Indian Premier League (IPL), the Delhi Government on Friday declared that no sporting events, not even IPL, will be conducted in the national capital.

The order that has been issued by the government reads - " In exercise of the powers conferred by the Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19, Regulations, 2020 under the Epidemic Diseases act, 1897, it is hereby directed that all sports gathering (including IPL)/conferences, seminars beyond 200 people are prohibited in NCT of Delhi for the purpose of prevention and control of the outbreak of Epidemic disease namely COVID-19."

This comes after the nation recorded its first coronavirus death on Thursday when a 76-year-old man succumbed to the deadly virus

Delhi government’s decision will directly impact the ongoing India and South Africa ODI series, although the second and third matches are slated to be hosted in Lucknow and Kolkata, which are supposedly to be played without spectators.

All eyes will now be on the IPL Governing Council, which meets on Saturday. The IPL opener at Wankhede Stadium pits Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings on March 29.