The number of Coronavirus cases has risen to 277,169, with 11,430 recorded because of the virus. The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, which is also called COVID-19, has created fear among the people. Today, people have started to quarantine and have started avoiding meetings. Many sports, including Cricket, has suffered its impact. Here, we discuss how the Coronavirus has affected the sport of Cricket.
IPL postponed
IPL is the biggest sporting event when it comes to domestic cricket leagues around the globe. Players from around the world are interested in playing this sporting event for the large sum of money they get. The brand value of the IPL is around 6.7 dollars. It attracts a large number of viewers in both the stadium and TV screens. The IPL, which was generally played in the mid of March has been shifted to April 15 per the new schedule, the first match will begin on April 15, and the final will be played on May 24.
England Test Series against Sri-Lanka Postponed
England was supposed to play two test matches in Sri Lanka. They were to play their first match against Sri Lanka from 19 March-23 March in Galle International Stadium, Galle and second match from 27-31 March 2020.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), taking into account the well-being of players has decided to postponed the series. However, the players remain positive to return for the two-series.
England played two practice matches while they were in Sri Lanka. They first played a three-day match against Sri Lanka Board President’s XI. The match was drawn after England scored 316 & 320/7 while Sri Lanka Board President’s XI scored 245 in their first innings.
The second practice match was a four-day match was ended on the second day following the news of Corona virus pandemic.
Pakistan Super League postponed
2020 PSL was special in that it was held entirely in Pakistan for the first time. The earlier part of the tournament was going smooth but the later part of the competition was affected due to fear of corona. 14 international players were leaving the tournament and flying back home. Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, James Vince, Tom Banton, Carlos Brathwaite, Liam Dawson, Lewis Gregory, Liam Livingstone, Jason Roy, Tymal Mills, Colin Munro, Dale Steyn, Dawid Malan Luke Ronchi left the tournament. The non-availability of several star players and fear of the corona outbreak has caused the remaining PSL to be postponed for now.
EPL Postponed
Fear of Coronavirus has affected the crazy cricketing nation of Nepal as well. The Everest Premier League (EPL), is probably the biggest cricketing event in the country. This year of EPL was even bigger, considering several stars players were expected to play in the Himalayan nation. Kevin O’Brien, Corey Anderson, Mohammad Shahzad, Paul Stirling, Upul Tharanga, and the ‘Universal Boss’ Chris Gayle were the star foreign players fans were excited to see in Nepal. The tournament was initially supposed to start on March 14. However, considering the corona cases around the globe, EPL too was postponed.
