IPL to continue despite lockdown

Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Devdutt Padikkal has become the third player to test positive for COVID-19 ahead of the new Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which begins on Friday.

Delhi Capitals spinner Axar Patel and Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana tested positive for the virus after joining their teams.

Participants will have to stay in a restricted health environment for this year's IPL, which will be played across six venues in India, initially without spectators.

Bangalore are scheduled to face five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener on Friday at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President, has confirmed that the IPL 2021 will proceed as scheduled notwithstanding the weekend lockdown imposed in Maharashtra by the government in wake of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

From Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am the state will be in lockdown, only essential services, and transportation including buses, trains, and taxis will be allowed. Wankhede Stadium will host 10 matches this season from April 10 to 25. However, the former India captain has assured the tournament will continue as planned.