London: Former England captain Michael Vaughan feels a shortened five-week Indian Premier League (IPL) leading up to the ICC World T20 tournament in October and November could be a feasible solution if the current situation, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, is brought under control by then.
As of now, India has more than 2000 positive cases for novel coronavirus with 50 deaths reported so far. India is currently under a 21-day lockdown with nearly 50,000 people having already lost their lives globally. All sporting activities in the country have been called off at present. However, the BCCI is yet to make any official announcement regarding the deferment or cancellation of the IPL.
While IPL has been postponed till April 15, there is very little chance of a shortened tournament in May as it might take months for normalcy to return.
“Here’s a thought… The IPL is played for the 5 weeks leading up to the T20 World Cup in Oz… all players use it as the great warm up for the WC… then the WC happens… So important for the game that the IPL takes place but also the WC,” Vaughan tweeted.
See link: https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1245659864388403206
However if one goes by Michael Vaughan’s suggestion, it would mean that he is expecting the IPL in the September window in the lead up to the World T20 which begins October 18 in Australia.
In September, India are supposed to play Asia Cup in the UAE which is going to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). After the Asia Cup, England are supposed to come to India to play three ODIs and three T20Is. So for the IPL to be played in September will be a difficult proposition indeed.
“September is the time when there is monsoon in India. Mumbai will be under water, there could be steady rain in Chennai. It is a decision that can’t be taken that lightly,” a senior BCCI official said Thursday on condition of anonymity.
There is a suggestion to do away with the ICC World T20 in October-November and hand that slot to the BCCI for conducting of IPL but sources in International Cricket Council (ICC) as well as BCCI feels that it’s too premature to comment at the moment.
“You don’t know the situation tomorrow. Let there be a sign that the curve is flattening and normalcy can return. That’s when you start discussing options,” the BCCI source said. “At the moment, let Vaughan remain committed to Twitter only and not talk about the IPL,” he added.
Agencies