Suspended meaning in cricket: Is IPL 2021 cancelled? When will IPL 2021 restart?

Is IPL 2021 cancelled: Multiple speculations around Indian Premier League 2021 are doing the rounds in the Indian media.

The 14th season of the Indian Premier League has been suspended after the emergence of multiple positive COVID-19 cases since yesterday. Other than three non-playing members of Chennai Super Kings, four players of Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have also tested positive for COVID-19.

The fact that other teams had played against the aforementioned teams and were also scheduled to face them in the days to come didn’t leave many options with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) other than suspending the tournament.

Having commenced on April 9, IPL 2021 had been receiving immense criticism for being conducted amidst dire medical circumstances in the country. Despite BCCI organizing the tournament in bio-secure environments across four venues till now, the virus has doubtlessly affected their preparations.

At present, the league stage of IPL 2021 was happening across two venues namely Ahmedabad and Delhi. With positive cases being reported in both the venues, putting IPL 2021 to a halt is the right decision as it will give more time to cricket board before taking their next step.

Is IPL 2021 cancelled?

No. At this point in time, IPL 2021 has been “suspended” indefinitely. Having said that, some reports are also emerging that it has been suspended for a week. Since suspension is generally for a time period, there are hopes of this season resuming at some point in time.

Given how quickly IPL 2021 has faced the wrath of the virus, contrasting statement from “sources” are bound to be made. Hence, fans are advised to wait for the official word. As per the official statement, IPL 2021 has been “postponed”.

“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,” read an official statement published on IPL’s website.

When will IPL 2021 restart?

As mentioned above, no official information has been provided regarding when IPL 2021 will resume. For now, all players are most likely to undergo multiple tests to take an exact note of the situation. It is only after that that any decision regarding resuming or further delaying IPL 2021 is likely to be made.

“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,” read the official statement.

It will also be interesting to know if the BCCI will go ahead with the multiple-venue format or complete the tournament in a city like Mumbai which has multiple stadiums where matches can be conducted.