With the BCCI postponing the start of the thirteenth edition of the IPL to April 15, the organising body and the eight franchisee owners will sit across the table at the governing council meeting to work out comprehensive plan which will best suit the interest of all the stakeholders involved in the money-spinning league.
On account of a delayed start to the tournament, there could be a lot of discussions over critical issues like the pre-tournament warm ups /practice sessions, availability of foreign players and logistical issues if the home venues of certain franchises are unavailable amid a few state government not giving the green signal to hold IPL matches amid the corona-virus threat looming large on the cash-rich T20 league.
The Sports Ministry has also asked all National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the BCCI to follow the Health Ministry's guidelines.
As per the guidelines issued, it has been asked to avoid large public gatherings. Due to the visa regulation, sources within the IPL's governing council said that the foreign players would not be available for the tournament.
"Yes, foreign players will not be available. We will discuss this and other issues at our governing council meeting scheduled for March 14," a source in IPL governing council had told ANI.
The 13th edition of IPL is scheduled to commence from March 29, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meeting at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the first match.
On Thursday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the IPL should happen behind closed doors or it should be postponed.
World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday had declared the coronavirus outbreak a 'pandemic' and expressed deep concern. The coronavirus disease was first detected in Wuhan in China's Hubei province, in late December, and has since spread worldwide.