MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has further extended the suspension of Indian Premier League 2020 until further notice due to evolving global concern regarding COVID-19

The official statement signed by BCCI secretary Jayesh Shah says, “The IPL Governing Council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 season will be suspended till further notice.” The domestic league was supposed to happened from 29 March, but was suspended till 15 April.

It was expected that the BCCI may extend the suspension of IPL, as prime minister Narendra Modi had extended the nation-wide lockdown till 3 May. The statement reads, “The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority.”

In this regard, the BCCI along with the franchise owners, broadcaster, sponsors and all the stakeholders acknowledge that the IPL 2020 season will only commence when it is safe and appropriate to do so, mentions the Indian cricket board in its statement.

Being optimistic to host the domestic cricket leagues, the BCCI has also said that it will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders.

It further states in the statement that it will also continue to take guidance from the central government, state governments and other state regulatory bodies.

Estimates are that close to $1.5 billion is riding behind the IPL in terms of advertising, sponsorships and ticket sales. Global advisory Duff & Phelps estimates a huge loss of at least Rs 1000 crore if IPL gets cancelled due to the pandemic.