The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to take place in front of empty stands for the entire duration. For once, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) considered the idea of allowing limited crowd in the stands at least for a part of the tournament but the plan seems to be carrying a lot of risk.
As per a report in The Times of India, BCCI does not have any intention to allow fans as it will be too much of a risk. The update comes a week after 13 personnel, including two players, of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp tested positive for COVID-19. The report also adds that the board hasn’t decided on involving fans in some or other capacity.
In the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the organisers have ‘fake fans’ seated in the stands. They also make ‘fake sound’ whenever required. In England, the only country to stage international fixtures since March, matches are being played in front of empty stands. The coaches, though, are often seen enjoying the game from the empty seats. Same could be the case in IPL as the BCCI is yet to take a call on engaging fans in any capacity.
Meanwhile, the apex board is likely to release the schedule of IPL 2020 on Friday (September 4).
Chennai Super Kings are the only team who have not begun training in the UAE. 13 of their members, including 2 India players tested positive for the novel coronavirus last week. All the 13 members are in isolation and will undergo tests after the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. All the members who tested positive for Covid-19 are stable.
CSK have had a rough start at the yet-to-begin tournament, losing vice-captain Suresh Raina, who left the squad for ‘personal reasons’ last month amid speculation of a falling out with senior management.
