Coronavirus outbreak: Visa restrictions prevent foreign players’ participation in IPL 2020
With fresh visa restrictions in place, IPL 2020 may have to be played without the participation of overseas players. However, there is still no official confirmation from BCCI
FollowBengaluru: With the government of India issuing fresh visa restrictions, the participation of foreign players is in doubt for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL 2020 is set to start on March 29 in Mumbai with defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) hosting Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Also read: Fate of IPL 2020 to be decided on March 14
Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) fears, the ministry of health has issued fresh visa restrictions to foreigners entering India. With this, overseas players’ arrival in India is in doubt till April 15.
Ministry of health said in a statement on Wednesday night (March 11), “All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure. Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till April 15th 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13th March 2020 at the port of departure. Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reason may contact the nearest Indian Mission.”
Also read: Full schedule of IPL 2020
“The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government’s directive, they can’t come till April 15,” a BCCI source told news agency PTI on condition of anonymity.
