Saigon Heat players seen at the ABL 2019-2020. — Photo of Saigon Heat

HÀ NỘI — The ASEAN Basketball League (ABL)’s organising board has announced it has decided to suspend the event indefinitely due to the continued spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the region.

According to the website of the ABL, with the safety of teams and fans, the ABL was one of the first leagues to react to the current health crisis with the postponement of more than 50 games that started early February. Only a single ABL game has been played after February 23.

The ABL explored all options in an effort to continue to deliver top-quality basketball and entertainment to the loyal fans. The league looked at booking neutral venues where multiple teams could play some of their postponed games. However, the travel restrictions in the region, the quarantine requirements upon the teams’ return to their respective countries and heeding the advice of multiple government institutions have led to the decision to suspend the season.

Việt Nam’s representative in this regional event is Saigon Heat.

As planned, the Heat will compete against Kuala Lumpur Dragons of Malaysia on March 20 away.

Because of this unexpected development, the Heat cancelled the trip to Malaysia and thanked the fans who have accompanied the club. — VNS