Coronavirus outbreak: Here's how sports personalities around the world reacted
The entire sports fraternity is facing the wrath of the ongoing coronavirus outburst. A number of leagues across various sports have been either suspended or postponed amid the alarming crisis. The Indian Premier League which was scheduled to commence on March 29, has also been deferred to April 15. Here is how the sports personalities reacted to the novel coronavirus.
In a recent statement, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly hinted at the possibility of a "truncated" IPL tournament. He has been constantly stressing upon the fact that the board is monitoring the situation closely. "We met the owners to tell them how it can happen and where do we stand at the moment. it is just postponed presently. We will assess the situation," Ganguly said.
Indian captain Virat Kohli also urged the people to stay healthy and aware in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone," his Tweet read. Besides, India's remaining two ODIs against South Africa were postponed.
Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 14, 2020
Australian seamer Pat Cummins believes the cricketers are lucky to have remained safe from the deadly disease. "We're lucky in cricket, it's not a contact sport. You can avoid getting too close to each other so no one really changed too much," Cummins stated. Australia beat New Zealand by 71 runs in the first ODI, while the final two matches have been postponed.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the decision to suspend the ongoing Premier League due to coronavirus scare. The Reds were well ahead in the race to win the domestic title, however, Klopp feels the welfare of the society comes first. "If it's a choice between football and the good of the wider society, it's no contest," he said in a statement.
Warriors' Stephen Curry took to Twitter after the NBA postponed its regular season earlier this week. The season was called off as the Utah Jazz all-star center Rudy Gobert tested positive. "Just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there," Curry's tweet read.
2020 aint it. Don't know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 12, 2020
