Mumbai, May 4 (UNI) Star India, the official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League 2020 on Tuesday supported the BCCI's decision to indefinitely postpone the cash-rich T20 tournament following a rise in cases of COVID-19 within its bio-bubble.
BCCI postponed the league after Sunrisers Hyderabad's wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha tested positive for COVID-19 along with Delhi Capitals' veteran spinner Amit Mishra.
'Star India supports BCCI's decision to postpone IPL 2021. The health and safety of players, staff and everyone involved in the IPL are of paramount importance. We thank the BCCI, IPL Governing Council, players, franchisees and sponsors for their support,' the broadcaster said in a statement.
On Monday, Chennai Super Kings bowling coach L Balaji along with Kolkata Knight Riders bowlers Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy had also tested positive for the virus.
Star India also said that it was 'indebted' to its employees, on-air talent, production and broadcast crews for delivering the broadcast to millions of houses in these challenging times.
'We are also indebted to our employees, on-air talent, production, and broadcast crews for trying their best to spread positivity by delivering the broadcast of IPL 2021 to millions of homes in the face of challenging circumstances,' it said.
Earlier, in a media statement, the IPL said the decision to postpone the league was 'unanimously' taken by the tournament's Governing Council along with the top brass of the BCCI as they don't want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the event.
"The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind,” the cash-rich league said in a statement.
"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.
The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021,' it added.
The tournament began on April 9 and ran smoothly for about a month before COVID-19 cases in the KKR camp caused the problem on Monday.
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