IPL 2020 likely to get postponed due to India visa restrictions

This year’s India Premier League (IPL) is facing serious questions about whether or not it will be able to go ahead as planned on 29th March, due to the coronavirus.

BCCI is yet to take a decision on the lucrative event after the India government restricted travel for foreigners. It was announced last night that all tourist visas will be suspended until April, which means no foreigners will be able to travel to India until the ban has been lifted.

The IPL, which includes players from various international teams, will unable to travel to India due to the visa restrictions imposed. However, a BCCI source said that the government’s directive doesn’t specifically exempt those with Business Visas.

A source told LiveMint, “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.”

It is said that a decision on IPL 2020 will be taken on 14th March at the event’s Governing Council meeting in Mumbai.

The “Details of Visas Granted by India” manual of the Ministry of Home Affairs states: “Foreign nationals who are engaged in commercial sports events in India on contract (including coaches) like Indian Premier League, Indian Soccer League, etc. with remuneration.

“They may be granted ‘B-Sports’ Visa with multiple entry facility for 13 appropriate period. Such a foreign national shall comply with all the statutory obligations like payment of taxes, etc.”

There are also other reports suggesting that the IPL this year could be played behind closed doors.