4 players, one coach and multiple staff tested positive for the COVID-19 so far.
This comes after four players- Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier (both KKR), Amit Mishra (DC), and Wriddhiman Saha (SRH) tested positive for the COVID-19. Apart from them, CSK bowling coach L Balaji and CSK staff also tested positive for the virus.
IPL 2021 suspended, we will see whether we can reschedule it, it is not cancelled- Rajiv Shukla
Not only this, but 5 groundstaff of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi also tested positive for the COVID-19 leading to many quarters believing that the IPL 2021 should be stopped and everyone should take a moment to regroup and rethink.
In its official statement, the BCCI said that it does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff, and the other participants involved in organizing the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health, and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.
"These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times.
The BCCI will do everything in its power to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.
The Indian cricket board also thanked all the healthcare workers, state associations, players, support staff, franchisees, sponsors, partners, and all the service providers who helped organize IPL 2021 in these difficult and testing times," the statement further read.
(IPL inputs)