With Covid-19 cases gradually increasing in India and the pandemic hitting the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as well, fans are apprehensive that the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league will be either postponed or called off.
Former Team India opener Aakash Chopra, who is a part of the commentary panel in the ongoing mega tournament, tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. The 45-year-old cricket expert has become the first victim of the highly infective virus in IPL 2023.
“Caught and Bowled Covid. Yups…the C Virus has struck again. Really mild symptoms…all under control. Will be away from the commentary duties for a few days…hoping to come back stronger #TataIPL,” Chopra tweeted.
Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had suspended IPL 2021 amid the outbreak of the pandemic among several players and support staff. Subsequently, the second leg of the mega tournament was played in UAE.
IPL has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic in the last few seasons, forcing the organisers to make bio-bubbles and hold it in safe venues. The league has returned to its traditional home and away format from this season as things become normal. But, in the last one week, India has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases.
In the last 24 hours, India registered 5,335 new Covid cases and it has been the highest number of cases registered since September 23, 2022.
Under such circumstance, it is a huge risk to allow huge gathering at the stadiums during the IPL matches. It will only help create favourable conditions for the further spread of the disease. If things go out of control in the next few days, BCCI will be forced to take a strong decision for the future course of action for the 2023 edition of the cash-rich league.