India halts lucrative IPL cricket tournament as COVID rages

Opposition urges full lockdown after total cases top 20m

20210504N cricket

A scene from the 2019 final match in the Indian Premier League, one of the world's most lucrative sports leagues.  © Getty Images

KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writer

NEW DELHI -- India's most popular cricket tournament was suspended mid-way on Tuesday owing to a devastating second wave of COVID-19 that has swept the country and infected players in one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world.

The 14th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League, which started on April 9 with the participation of top cricketers from various countries, was slated to run until May 30, but despite playing in empty stadiums and taking other precautions, several players tested positive for coronavirus.

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