BCCI CEO hints at full-fledged IPL after monsoon

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League, which had been suspended indefinitely due to Covid-19 pandemic, can take place after the rains in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India Chief Executive Rahul Johri has hinted that the BCCI is planning to hold the IPL 2020 after the monsoon season.

Johri has also revealed that this will be a full-fledged IPL with Indian and foreign players.

The BCCI aims to capitalise on a window that may open up due to the likely postponement of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, which has been scheduled to take place in Australia from October 18 to November 15.

IPL 2020 was originally slated between March 29 and May 24, but it had been put on an indefinite hold following a national wide lockdown to mitigate the effect of novel coronavirus pandemic which has taken over 200 countries across the globe under its grip.

Johri, according to cricektaddictor.com, though said that the BCCI was waiting for a final word from the Union Government. The possibility of the IPL matches behind closed doors is not ruled out.

“We will be guided by the Government guidelines. Our advisory says: IPL is suspended till further notice. We are engaging with various agencies. After the current phase of lockdown ends, there is the monsoon. Cricketing activities can start only after monsoon. By then, hopefully things will improve,” Johri reportedly said.

Last week former Australian captain Mark Taylor had hinted that Australia might not be able to hold the T20 World Cup as per its original schedule this year.

Also Read: Taylor foresees delay in T20 WC

Rescheduling the IPL between September and November will though have its share of challenges. “When flights resume, everyone has to quarantine themselves before playing. We will have to look at how that will impact the schedules, which as it is are tight. Imagine you have to factor in 14-day quarantine prior to practice also. So, there are a lot of moving parts. But we are still optimistic. Hopefully, the situation will improve after monsoon, and we will approach it then,” said Johri.

The BCCI CEO although remains more optimistic on the IPL commercial front.  “IPL is one of the greatest engagers. More people watched the IPL last year than those who voted for general elections. For sponsors, cricket is a leader and it will lead the way. The recovery will be sharper than a V-shaped recovery. Take my word, cricket and commercials will come back with a bang.”

Players worldwide are looking forward to the start of the IPL 2020. New Zealand cricketer of Indian origin Ish Sodhi had said that Cricket New Zealand will have to adjust its domestic schedule if the IPL happens in October-November, while Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins has said that IPL will be a great window to resume action post coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

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