ZCZC
BSP-13
CRICKET-WIS-CPL-HEALTH-VIRUS
No plan yet to move Caribbean Premier League despite virus
LONDON, March 23, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
officials said on Monday they had no immediate plans to postpone or cancel
this year’s Twenty20 cricket competition over the coronavirus pandemic.
Launched in 2013, this year’s six-team CPL is scheduled to run from August
19 to September 26, with the Barbados Tridents the reigning champions.
“CPL has been in constant communication with our medical advisors in recent
weeks, as well as speaking with Cricket West Indies about the current
situation with regard to cricket around the world, and at present there has
been no discussion about moving the event,” said a statement issued on
Monday.
“CPL believes it is too early to make such a decision, but this is an
evolving situation and we are carefully watching how events unfold in the
Caribbean and around the world.”
The lucrative Indian Premier League, the original Twenty20 franchise event,
has been postponed until April 15, while this month England postponed their
Test series in Sri Lanka.
The England and Wales Cricket Board on Friday announced no professional
cricket would be played before May 28 as a result of COVID-19.
The County Championship, which comprises four-day first-class matches, was
due to start on April 12.
BSS/AFP/RY/20:58 hrs