In 2021, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was put on hold indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament has also seen cases where teams and players were suspended for different reasons.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most well known cricket leagues globally. It started in 2008, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The league has 10 franchise teams from various Indian cities and is famous for its thrilling matches featuring top international and local players. IPL is a mix of cricket and entertainment, with cheerleaders and musical performances. The fast-paced matches and new formats have changed the way cricket is played.
In 2021, the IPL had to be paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With rising cases in India, the BCCI stopped the tournament to protect the players and staff. This was the first time the IPL was suspended (IPL on Hold).
What Does “Suspended” Mean in Cricket?
When a match is “suspended,” it means the game is paused temporarily. Some reasons for this could be:
- Weather: Rain, lightning, or poor light can stop the match if it’s unsafe or the conditions aren’t good for play.
- Pitch Conditions: If the pitch is damaged or too wet, the game can be halted.
- Safety Issues: Things like crowd trouble or player injuries can cause a pause.
- Technical Problems: Issues with the stadium, field, or equipment can also delay matches.
In the IPL, a match or even the whole tournament can be suspended for these reasons. If you are betting on a suspended match, it might affect your ability to cash out your bet. For more details, you can check our expert guide on PayPal betting sites for the IPL.
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Impact of COVID-19 on IPL
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of many sports events worldwide. In 2021, when COVID-19 cases increased among IPL players and staff, the BCCI and the IPL governing council had an emergency meeting and decided to pause the tournament.
“The BCCI cannot compromise on the safety of players, staff, and everyone involved in the IPL. This decision is about ensuring the health and well-being of all,” said the board in a statement.
What Happens When It Rains in an IPL Final?
If it rains during an IPL final, the team batting second needs to play at least five overs for the match to have a result. During the group stage, the match can go on for up to 60 minutes past its original time to complete the required overs.
For the playoffs and final, there is more flexibility, with up to 120 extra minutes to finish a rain-affected match. If the second team’s innings is shortened, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method is used to calculate a new target score based on the overs and runs from the first innings.
If the rain prevents any play, the match will move to a reserve day. This happened in the 2023 IPL final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, where the match was postponed due to rain. If rain disrupts the reserve day too, a five-over game is played. If even that isn’t possible, a super-over decides the winner. If the super-over can’t be played, the team that finished higher in the league will be declared the winner.
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Team Suspensions in IPL
In 2015, two IPL teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), were suspended for two years due to a spot-fixing and illegal betting scandal. This incident damaged the reputation of the IPL and cricket in India.
The scandal surfaced during the 2013 season, with players and officials from both teams involved in illegal activities. After an investigation by the Justice Lodha Committee, enough evidence was found to suspend both teams for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The goal was to protect the integrity of the sport and send a clear message against corruption.
During their suspension, two new teams, Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions, were introduced to fill the gap. CSK and RR returned in 2018, with CSK winning the championship in their comeback season.
Player Suspensions in IPL
Players in the IPL can be suspended if they break the league’s rules or code of conduct. These suspensions can happen for reasons like discipline issues, on-field misconduct, or involvement in illegal activities.
In 2008, Harbhajan Singh was suspended for the rest of the season after slapping Sreesanth during a match. This was one of the first big controversies in the IPL.
In 2010, Ravindra Jadeja was banned for one season after violating player guidelines by trying to negotiate with other teams for a higher salary.
In 2013, fast bowler S Sreesanth was banned for life due to his role in the spot-fixing scandal while playing for Rajasthan Royals. His teammates Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were also found guilty and given lifetime bans
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