IPL 2020: Uncertainty over Mumbai IPL venue as Thane is under lockdown

Uncertainty looms large on the Mumbai as IPL venue as cases are on the rise. Lockdown has been imposed in Thane which is very near to Mumbai. Municipal commissioner announced the lockdown till 31 march after coronavirus cases are increasing. And distinct administers failed to contain the rising numbers. 

IPL is expected to start on 9 April and BCCI has announced the six venues where IPL matches would be conducted. The venues are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad. Mumbai is one of the venues where a total of 10 matches will be hosted. 

Out of the six venues, Mumbai is the worst affected city by the second wave of coronavirus. 

Mumbai has been reporting the increment in the coronavirus cases daily. Till January and February, cases of coronavirus seemed to be in control but there has been a sudden increase in the number of cases. Mumbai has reported a total of 8744 fresh cases in the last 24 hours. 

With the coronavirus cases continuously increasing, BCCI is under a lot of pressure whether to change the venue or not. If cases continue to rise, it can jeopardize the health of players who will be playing in the IPL. 

Moreover, governing council chairman Brijesh patel hopes that situation will improve before the IPL. they won’t have to change the venue. The decision to select Mumbai as an IPL venue was difficult for us but we are hopeful of things improving in the near future, he said. 

But BCCI is keeping the tap on the situation, if the situation in Mumbai gets worsened they are having the options to change the venue. We are closely monitoring the situation, if need be, we will change the venue, he said. 

Punjab kings and Chennai super kings have started training near Mumbai because they will be the ones who will be playing their first matches in Mumbai. They are keeping their camp as near as possible so that they can adapt to the situation soon. 

BCCI is likely to discuss the Corona situation and possible venue change in the upcoming governing council.