Ahead of the much-awaited 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, the fans of Chennai Super Kings were taken by surprise after two players from the team were tested positive for Coronavirus. Following which, Suresh Raina, who has been one of the key players of the team, pulled out of the league citing personal reasons.
Now reacting first time to the news of multiple CSK squad testing positive for COVID-19, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said that it has to be seen when CSK can start IPL 2020 as per the schedule. He said:
“I cannot comment on the situation of CSK. We will see if they can start as per schedule. I hope the IPL will be conducted well. We have a long schedule for the tournament and I sincerely hope everything will go on just fine,”
Sourav Ganguly further said that the fans will have to accept the new reality. He said:
“The entire world is coping with the crisis. Football and cricket matches are being conducted to empty stadiums globally. We will also have to accept that reality. I have started working and do our work. I am not a full-fledged sportsperson anymore – I am half-and-half. I am balancing between family, cricket, BCCI and media work,”
Meanwhile, many players including the overseas players are yet to join the CSK squad in the UAE. There are a few players who are in a dilemma whether to play or not to play amid Coronavirus times. Recently, a source close to Harbhajan Singh revealed:
“Senior spinner Harbhajan Singh who is in India and did not take part in CSK’s preparatory camp in Chennai (Aug 15-20) is worried whether to participate in the tournament or not,”