IPL 2021: Tournament will go on as schedule, confirms Sourav Ganguly

The Board of Control for Cricket in India president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the 14th season of the Indian Premier League will go on despite the growing concerns of Covid-19.

The second wave of the virus has hit India hard as more than 3,00,000 cases are getting reported on a daily basis.

Due to growing concerns, foreign players have started to back out from the tournament. Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Andrew Tye became the first player to pull out of the tournament as he was afraid to be locked out of Australia. Subsequently, Delhi Capitals’ veteran spinner Ravichandran also opted out of the tourney as he wanted to be with his family during the ongoing health crisis.

Furthermore, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s spinner Adam Zampa and fast bowler Kane Richardson have also decided to pull out of the competition amid the growing concerns.

“So far, it’s going ahead as per schedule,” Sourav Ganguly confirmed.

A franchise official also confirmed that there hasn’t been any confirmation to call out the IPL and they are trying their best to keep the players in a secure environment.

“As of now, there is no communication in calling off the tournament, so we are planning everything to keep players motivated and safe. If any player wants to pull out due to family/personal reasons, we will do everything possible to help him,” a franchise official said.

Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel has revealed that they are taking all the precautions for the smooth conduct of the IPL and they are not taking things lightly as the cases are going through the roof.

“We are strictly following all government and BCCI protocols. We have made it clear that only the GCA office bearers and the three former cricketers – who are in charge of the practice facilities – will be allowed to enter the stadium, following all protocols,” Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel said.

“The ground staff and other relevant staff have been inside the bubble for the last seven to ten days inside the stadium and they are being tested every alternate day to ensure that everything runs smoothly,” he added.