BCCI official states IPL 2020 could be 'TV-only' amid Coronavirus scare

On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) a pandemic.

It is now a strong possibility that IPL 2020 will take place behind closed doors, in light of the coronavirus threat, with the Indian government indicating it will not stop sporting events from taking place as long as they adhere strictly to health-ministry guidelines discouraging mass gatherings.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Kiren Rijiju, India's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports.  It remains to be seen how



this development will affect the remaining matches of the ODI series between India and South Africa, which began on Thursday in Dharamsala. The second ODI is scheduled to be played in Lucknow on March 15, and the third ODI in Kolkata on March 18.

Asked specifically about the IPL, which is scheduled to start on March 29, Rijiju indicated that fans are likely not to be allowed at the grounds. "We are not stopping the game," he said. "We are just telling to ensure that there is no mass gathering. Precautionary step is very important for the health of the country."