|| CF DESK ||

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will continue to play games, according to its organizers, but the plan has drawn widespread criticism as the country grapples with a huge increase in coronavirus cases.

On Sunday, the New Indian Express and a sister publication announced that they would be suspending their coverage of the IPL, though hundreds of fans slammed the league on social media.

An IPL governing council member told an International news agency Reuters the league has "a robust bio-bubble" and is being played without fans which made it safe to continue.

"IPL provides a much-needed distraction for all from the doom and gloom around us," the official said, requesting anonymity.

"Yes, cases have surged in venues like Delhi, but we have two standby venues in Hyderabad and Indore and we'd use them if needed."

India's number of Covid-19 cases surged by 349,691 on Sunday, a new global high, and hospitals in Delhi and across the country are turning away patients due to a lack of medical oxygen and beds.

The Chennai-based New Indian Express said its decision to suspend coverage was "a small gesture towards keeping the nation's attention focused on life and death issues."