KATHMANDU, MAY 04

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the players started getting infected amid the fast spreading second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in India.

On Monday, the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had been postponed after Leg spinner Varun Chakravarthy and pacer Sandeep Warrier of the KKR tested positive for the infection.

Today, Sunrisers Hyderabad's(SRH) Wriddhiman Saha tested positive ahead of their scheduled match against Mumbai Indians in Delhi today.

Similarly, Delhi Capitals leg-spinner Amit Mishra also contracted covid-19.

The cricket governing body sent out a statement regarding the unanimous decision taken by the board and the IPL governing council to immediately postpone the ongoing season of the tournament.

'The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well being of all the stakeholders in mind,' the BCCI said.

Meanwhile, it has also said that the international players will be sent back home safely. 'The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.'

There had been concerns and questions regarding the continuity of the tournament as the Covid-19 situation started to worsen in India, with thousands dying amid record breaking intraday cases.