NEWS
Follow UsThe postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 due to multiple COVID-19 cases will not affect its brand image as the players' safety was of the utmost importance, according to Punjab Kings’ co-owner Ness Wadia.
Wadia praised the tournament’s flexibility of being played in different countries since its inception in 2008 and hoped that the remainder of the tournament will be held soon.
"This is the No 1 tournament in the world. Not just in terms of value, but also for its adaptability. It is the league that is the most flexible, adaptable and adjustable. Whether the move to South Africa in 2009, to UAE in 2014 and 2020, and whether it being held in India the in most grueling of Covid situations and circumstances, it always emerged strong. There won't be any impact on the league in future. The decision to suspend is right and I am sure they will hold it again," Wadia told Cricbuzz.
Wadia felt that the BCCI’s timing of suspending the tournament on Tuesday was right after players and staff in four teams tested positive for COVID-19.
"Because, until this morning (Tuesday, May 4) the decision was not needed to be taken, that's why I look at this as a right decision at the right time," believes Wadia.
"It is very unfortunate but it is a decision that is correct under the current circumstances. I would say given the drastic increase in cases in the last two-three weeks, it has brought in a new dimension to the planning that was done at the beginning," he said.
The indefinite suspension of the IPL could see the tournament losing over Rs 2000 crore of sponsorship and broadcasting, but Wadia said it is not on his mind for now.
"It is important that we considered the safety of the players. That is the utmost important factor. Personally, I have not thought about the financial losses. We will deal with that later. Right now we are focusing on ensuring safe return of the players," he said.
