The Indian government on Wednesday (March 11) imposed visa restrictions in order to contain the deadly novel Coronavirus outbreak and this decision is likely to impact the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), scheduled to start from March 29.
Amid the recent developments, a top BCCI source told PTI on Thursday (March 12) that no foreign player will be available for this year's IPL till April 15, casting fresh doubts on the fate of the marquee tournament.
Earlier, there were suggestions about having the IPL closed doors and now it seems like a real possibility. But considering that 60-odd overseas recruits won't be available to display their skills in the cash-rich event (albeit in the initial stages), a postponement cannot be ruled out as well.
"The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government's directive, they can't come till 15 April," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
The fate of the IPL 2020 will now be decided at the Governing Council meeting in Mumbai on Saturday (March 14).
"All decisions will be taken by the GC in Mumbai," the source said.
As the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus pandemic, Indian government took a bold step and suspended all visas.
In a media release, the Union health ministry said all existing visas -- except diplomatic, official, UN/International organisations, employment and project visas -- will be suspended till April 15.
India has reported more than 60 positive cases in the outbreak which has led to over 4,000 deaths worldwide.
The "Details of Visas Granted by India" manual of the Ministry of Home Affairs states: "Foreign nationals who are engaged in commercial sports events in India on contract (including coaches) like Indian Premier League, Indian Soccer League, etc. with remuneration.
"They may be granted 'B-Sports' Visa with multiple entry facility for 13 appropriate period. Such a foreign national shall comply with all the statutory obligations like payment of taxes, etc."
The BCCI source said that the government's directive doesn't specifically exempt those with Business Visas.
"There is a clear distinction between employment Visa which has been granted exemption and the business visa. So it's better we dont take the risk."
Staging the IPL in empty stadiums is an option but it will certainly lack the energy without the presence of foreign players.
"The Future Tours Program is such that if the IPL is postponed, most of the marquee foreign players might not be available as after this April-May, there isn't any window available. All other teams have bilateral commitments. At best, we can have it closed doors," the source said.
(With PTI inputs)
