Coronavirus and Cricket: How safe is IPL 2020?

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Till Thursday, as many as 30 tested positive for the fast-spreading novel coronavirus in India. The Ministry of Health issued an advisory cautioning against mass gatherings due to coronavirus outbreak.

The epidemic, which began in China in late December, has claimed over 3,200 lives in China and infected more than 95,000 people globally. It has also plunged the global sporting calendar into disarray, with a growing list of competitions either pushed back or relocated because of the virus.

Amidst all this, the Indian Premier League, which is the most widely watched sporting event in India, seems unperturbed by the pathogen’s effect and so far seems likely to continue despite persisting concerns.

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is monitoring the development of the coronavirus outbreak in the country but has stated there is no threat to the IPL, which begins later this month.

“We are keeping a tab on the situation. Before the IPL we have the South Africa series. Everything is on the schedule currently,” IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel told Reuters on Thursday.

“Nothing in India. Not even discussed it (Coronavirus),” said BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.

On the other hand, perturbed by the fast-spreading novel coronavirus threat, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in sensitising its contracted players, including the six who will play in the Indian Premier League (IPL), about preventive measures to deal with the deadly outbreak.

Experts Explain

Now consider this: During the IPL, more than 50,000-60,000 will be packed inside an arena, jostling for selfies and autographs which does increase chances of the virus spreading.

“The BCCI is being immature. There is no point in having the IPL with so many people coming around, with a lot of sweat and shouting(increased use of throat), chances are COVOD 19 can affect people,” said Sanjeev Singh Yadav, President of Indian Medical Association (Hyderabad City) told the indianexpress.com.

Dr Yadav is advising caution for those who are planning to throng to the stadiums. Hyderabad has its own IPL team, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

“Two positive cases of coronavirus in Hyderabad and when situations are like this where it can spread from one person to another it is better to avoid crowded places until we come to know that the disease is not spreading,” he added.

On the other hand, Dr RV Asokan, Hon Secretary-General Indian Medical Association, spoke to the indianexpress.com and said, “I will not say that the IPL should be stopped. It can be held if proper preventive measures are taken.”

“Screening of fans who are arriving at the stadium is one of those methods. Also, public awareness is key. The state of Kerala has also shown us how the isolation of patients and being aware at ground level can help in controlling the spread of the virus. If other cities can follow the way then there is no reason why the IPL cannot be held.”

Broadcasters Issue

If the tournament is scrapped, then advertising revenues will take a huge hit. However, Star Sports and BCCI have got everything insured. However, it is still unclear if any specific insurance cover for cancellation due to coronavirus is in place.

The 13th season of the eight-team IPL, which is played in cricket’s shortest Twenty20 format, is scheduled to begin on March 29 with a match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

The national team, however, will take on South Africa for three one-day internationals before that, starting with the first match in the northern Indian city of Dharamsala next Thursday reported Indian Express.

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