Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope believes the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League could play a role in aiding the spread of novel coronavirus in the country. And with that in mind, Tope also advocated for the postponement of the annual event. 

There are growing cases of deaths being reported in India because of the coronavirus, as per official data put forward by the Health Ministry. 

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Hence, Tope reckons to be taking such a big risk in the form of mass gathering of people at various stadiums wouldn't be a prudent idea at all. 

"There is always a possible danger of spread (of contagious diseases) when large numbers of people gather in one place... Such (IPL) events can always be organised later," Tope told reporters. 

The remark has come just three weeks before the tournament is officially set to begin on March 29 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on last year's runners-up Chennai Super Kings on the opening day.

However, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Friday (March 6) publically gave an assurance that the competition won't be affected. 

Ganguly also informed that the board is taking all precautionary measures to tackle the coronavirus threat. 

"It's on," he told ESPNcricinfo. "The BCCI will take all protection (against coronavirus)."

(Inputs from Hindustan Times)