Followingthe global concern over the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak, the start ofthe 13th edition of IPL has been pushed back to April 15. According to reports,the decision was taken by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah afteradvice given by various arms of the Indian government.

Reportedly,the IPL sent a communication to all eight franchises on Friday, stating itwould meet the owners on Saturday in person in Mumbai to further debrief on thematter.

Withthe outbreak rapidly escalating across the globe the Indian government hasplaced severe travel restrictions for people traveling in as well out of India.However, the central sports ministry had said it would not stop sporting eventsfrom taking place as long as they adhered strictly to government guidelinesdiscouraging mass gatherings.

Earlier,IPL 2020 was scheduled to begin on March 29.