IPL can be postponed amid Covid-19 scare: Maha Health Minister

In view of the looming Covid-19 threats around the country, the Maharashtra government may consider postponing the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tourney, Health Minister Rajesh Tope indicated here on Saturday.

"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 mediapersons.

He said that discussions are currently on in official circles whether to postpone IPL and a decision would be taken and announced shortly

The much-awaited IPL-13 with over four dozen matches in the time-table is scheduled for a grand kick-off on March 29 and will continue till May 24 at various locations across the country.

Tope's comments went viral on social media, especially since it came days after BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had asserted that there would be no change in the IPL schedule.

"We will take all precautions. I don't know exactly what are these, it's only the medical team which will tell us about that. The medical team is already in touch with the hospitals so that everything is available," Ganguly had said, adding that the organisers would abide by the advice of doctors. IANS