The Covid-19 crisis in India is growing with every passing day. Just a day after Chennai Super Kings' batting coach, Laxmipathy Balaji tested positive for Covid-19, their batting coach, Michael Hussey has also tested positive for the virus. Just to be sure, Hussey has sent his samples again for a re-check. Nonetheless, he has isolated himself.
“Hussey tested positive. But his samples are being redone. Hopefully, the report will come negative,” said a source to Times of India.
Not just Balaji, but two other people from the CSK unit had tested positive earlier which also included CSK CEO, Kasi Vishwanathan. After the news of n number of players and support staff getting infected by Covid-19, the IPL governing council in an urgent meeting declared that the IPL 2021 has been suspended.
In an official statement issued, BCCI said, "The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an emergency meeting has unanimously decided to postpone IPL 2021 season, with immediate effect. The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind," the release said.
"These are difficult times, especially in India and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times," the statement added.