This year’s edition of the Indian Premier League has been suspended indefinitely.

The start of the 2020 IPL had been moved from 29 March to 15 April as a preventative measure against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

This week, the Board of Control for Cricket deferred the tournament again, after Indian prime minister Narendra Modi extended a travel ban and other nationwide restrictions to 3 May.

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‘Due to the evolving global health concerns regarding the coronavirus and lockdown measures implemented by the government of India to contain the spread of the pandemic, the IPL governing council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 season will be suspended until further notice,’ read a statement from BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

‘The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority and as such, 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.

‘The BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders and will continue to take guidance from the government of India, state governments and other state regulatory bodies.’

Several Proteas stars are involved in the IPL, including Chennai Super Kings trio Lungi Ngidi, Faf du Plessis and Imran Tahir.

All-rounder Chris Morris had been purchased by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is in the Delhi Capitals’ squad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock plays for the Mumbai Indians.

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