Until yesterday we are wondering whether the IPL could be cancelled after match 30 was called off. Some were asking for the IPL to be cancelled for various reasons of their own. First, it was two players from the Kolkata Knight Riders who tested positive. Then there were other non-player members of the contingent who did so. And now even more players have tested positive so there was perhaps no option but to cancel IPL 2021 or rather postpone it indefinitely.
IPL 2021 is postponed with immediate effect. So far players of Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Sun Risers Hyderabad have tested positive apart from the KKR players. Right now, players are being sent back home or admitted to medical facilities as required.
The Board of Cricket Control in India issued this statement. The statement spoke about the BCCI not wanting to ‘compromise on the safety of the players’ and others (which basically translates to not wanting to deal with the liability and censure that would undoubtedly follow if something went wrong.)
According to cricket journalist Boria Majumdar there was no breach of the bio bubble, but players visiting hospitals that could have caused them to pick up infections.
There are other alleged reasons for the breach of the much-vaunted bio bubble: outside food deliveries, air travel, exposure at airport terminuses, faulty tracking devices worn by players etc.
It is likely that the remaining matches of IPL 2021 may be resumed after the T20 World Cup. It is likely that the world cup event that was to be hosted in India in October-November 2021 may be moved to the UAE since that is the time India may expect the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
The account of Twitter warrior Kangana Ranaut was permanently suspended on the same day as the indefinite postponement of the IPL was announced. It was a busy day on Twitter.
The suspension of IPL 2021 is a big blow for a lot of people. Cricket is a very high priority for many.
…Don’t mind too much. In fact there may actually some amount of glee at its cancellation.
Players would be disappointed – some even more than others.
…Many of the tweeple are still cursing China – particularly because the Chinese people seem to have resumed normal lives while India reels under the murderous onslaught of the second wave.
Fans are sad – it goes without saying.
Fans are not sure about resumption of the tournament --- if at all.
Fans of teams doing well are particularly upset.
Bad management, thought some of the tweeple.
Everyone has their own issues.
There are many legit and some not-so-legit sources of income tied up with the IPL.
You know we said 2020 was terrible? Well, 2021 is proving to be infinitely worse – the indefinite postponement or cancellation of IPL 2021 is the least of our many problems.
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