MUMBAI: A lot of speculation was doing the rounds if the world’s most valued T20 league would be impacted by the novel corona virus scare. Some said it would, some said it would not. Well, now it has been confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  honorary secretary Jay Shah.

The board issued a press release a short while ago, that the league was being suspended till 15 April as a “precautionary measure against the ongoing novel Corona virus situaition.”

The press note further added: “The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience.The BCCI will work closely with the Government of India along with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and all other relevant Central and State Government departments in this regard.”

Estimates are that close to  $1.5 billion is riding behind the IPL in terms of advertising, sponsorships, ticket sales.  

With a truncated duration, it will have to be seen how the suspension will impact the revenue potential of the league.  And how the BCCI will compensate telecast rights holder Star India for the loss of telecast days, if such a need does arise. It was expected that Star would raise close to Rs 3,000 crore this year through the IPL in terms of partnerships, sponsorships and air time deals.

Watch this space for further updates.