The start of this year’s edition of the Indian Premier League has been postponed.

The scheduled start, which was initially 29 March, has been moved to 15 April. This has been done as a preventative measure amid the coronavirus pandemic.

‘The Board of Control for Cricket in India 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,’ read a statement from the BCCI.

‘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.’

Many Proteas stars, including the Delhi Daredevils’ Kagiso Rabada and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chris Morris, are involved in the IPL.

READ: Proteas will likely shine ball despite health implications

Several sporting events around the world, including cricket’s Everest Premier League in Nepal, have been postponed or cancelled due to the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Proteas’ ongoing ODI series against India will be played behind closed doors. The series opener in Dharamsala was washed out on Thursday. Lucknow and Kolkata will host the second and third ODI, respectively.

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