In the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sports complexes and stadiums were on Sunday permitted to open but spectators will not be allowed inside to watch the game. The re-opening of stadiums and sports complexes will let the players resume their training practices which have been halted for two months.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines that read, “Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open, however, spectators won’t be allowed.” These guidelines will be followed during the lockdown which was due to end on May 18, but now has been extended till May 31.
Speaking of COVID-19 cases in India, the nation has recorded 96, 248 positive cases so far with the death toll climbing to 3000. In the recently issued guidelines, sports continue to be identified among the functions, gathering, and large congregations which are not allowed as of now.
The money-spinning cricketing tournament, Indian Premier League (IPL) has fallen victim to the ongoing pandemic. IPL was scheduled to begin from March 29 but was indefinitely pushed further because of the spike in COVID-19 positive cases and the extension in lockdown.
Previously it was speculated that IPL will be played behind the closed doors but due to the travel restriction, it is unlikely to happen. Doubts hover over both domestic and international cricket.
Even the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Australia later this year has clouds of doubt hovering over it due to the 6-month travel ban issued by the Australian government.
Amid the COVID-19 scare, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were being called-off and were postponed to 2021.