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Coronavirus scare: Govt throws IPL ball back to organiser’s court
MUMBAI: The central government, in the backdrop of the coronavirus scare, has thrown the ball back to organiser’s court to decide on the future of the thirteenth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled take place between 29 March and 24 April 2020.
The eight-team franchise is termed to be the biggest sporting event in the country. And, it’s expected that at least 40,000 people will witness the game live from the stadiums during this season of IPL 2020.
On the effect of coronavirus on IPL, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson had said: “It is for the organisers to decide whether to go ahead with it or not. Our advice would be to not do it at this time but if they want to go ahead, it is their decision.”
However, the ministry clarified: “Some general observations were made on holding large sporting events in India. But no specific recommendations have been sought or made by MEA on hosting the IPL or any other sporting event in India.”
It has been speculated that the tournament is likely to be postponed or will be hosted in a closed-door format without large gatherings. However, while confirming these speculations, the Maharashtra government has asked the IPL organisers to host close-door tournament or postpone it to a later date to curb the spread of the virus.
In this regard, the Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said: “Cabinet discussed and we are of the view that big gatherings should be avoided. We have two options: IPL should be done without spectators or else matches should be postponed.”
Asian News International, quoting sources, reported, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited all Indian Premier League team franchises for IPL Governing Council meeting on Saturday”.
Earlier on Thursday, the Madras High Court ordered to issue notices to the BCCI and the union health ministry regarding a PIL against conducting IPL matches in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
The virus that first appeared in the Wuhan city of China has spread to over 46 countries and entered India earlier this month. Around 100 positive cases have been confirmed in India as of Thursday. The first death in the country has been reported from Karnataka as a 76-year-old male was infected by the novel virus.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
