THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has announced that it is suspending the 2020-2021 season in light of the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the entire world to its knees.

With contact sports still prohibited by the government and the league’s television partner, ABS-CBN Sports and Action shut down, MPBL officials led by league commissioner Kenneth Duremdes deemed it best to just cancel the 2020-2021 season and schedule its next season on June 12, 2021.

The decision was made known in a memorandum sent to all the teams.

With regards to the semifinals and the finals of the Lakan Season, Duremdes said that these will still proceed once contact sports are allowed. However, all these games shall be played at one venue with no audience. All the players and officials involved shall also be quarantined in just one area.

Duremdes also bared plans for a pre-season tournament should contact sports be allowed within the year. Teams have the option of joining this said tournament to prepare for the next season.

In addition, Duremdes also announced that no current team shall take a leave of absence from the league for the 2021-2022 season and teams are advised to give players under contract at least 20 percent of their salaries. (JNP)