PBA considering postponing PH Cup games amid rising coronavirus threat

The PBA Board of Governors has scheduled an emergency meeting on Tuesday, March 10 to discuss possible courses of action in light of the growing number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

League commissioner Willie Marcial is set to present before the board all the possible scenarios which includes postponement of games in response to the dreaded outbreak.

As of Monday afternoon, the Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed 10 more cases bringing the total number of infected people to 20.

The amiable executive disclosed that holding closed-door games in the 2020 Philippine Cup which just kicked off last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is also a possibility.

“Ilalatag namin lahat ng posibleng mangyari. Puwedeng maurong ulit yung schedule, puwede ring maglaro closed-door, or puwede rin namang ituluy-tuloy din natin yung mga laro,” explained Marcial.

The league had already pushed back the original opening date of its 45th season from March 1 to 8 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak and much to Marcial’s surprise, around 9,000 fans still trooped to the Big Dome to watch the opening ceremonies as well as the lone game featuring defending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel and Magnolia.

“Ako po ay labis na nagpapasalamat na makita kayong lahat na naririto. Ito po ay pagpapatunay lang na mahal ninyo ang PBA. Sana ay hindi kayo magsawa sa pagsuporta, dahil sa PBA kayo po ang bida sa amin,” he said.

Also up for discussion is the upcoming out-of-town game between Brgy. Ginebra and Blackwater which is set to be played on Saturday, March 14 at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga, Bataan.

“Kaya lahat yan tatalakayin sa board meeting,” added Marcial.