There is no clarity on whether the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will be held this year or not, but the Indian cricket board is analysing, discussing and debating all options available to ensure IPL happens, even if it means shifting it out of India, in any window that will be available during the year. Cricket Age understand that while BCCI is mulling over the possibility of shifting the tournament in South Africa and UAE as well, Sri Lanka has emerged as the first choice of many top officials.
BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal explains the reason behind it.
“If it is safe for our players to play IPL in India, then it would be our first preference but in case the situation does not permit and we are not left with any choice and a window is available then we can look at moving IPL 2020 out of India,” Dhumal said.
IPL, in the past, has been conducted outside of India. The 2009 season was held in South Africa and a part of the 2014 season was held in United Arab Emirates.
BCCI is ready to take a cue from what it has done in the past. “We have done it in the past in South Africa. We may not want to do it willingly but if that’s the only possibility then there is not much anyone can do about it,” Dhumal further added.
Covid-19 pandemic has not just affected India as several sporting events across the globe have been cancelled and several countries have announced a lockdown. In such a scenario, is moving IPL out of India, a wise decision?
BCCI treasurer feels it’s not an easy option but everything needs to be looked at before taking a decision. “No country is safe from the Covid-19 pandemic so it’s not going to be easy if we decided to shift IPL out of the country and take players to Srilanka, Dubai or South Africa. The situation is almost the same everywhere, international travel restrictions are also a problem. Sri Lanka was okay but in the last couple of days cases have risen there so problem are there, we need to deal with them,” he concluded.
The BCCI is also awaiting clarity from ICC on whether the T20 World Cup, slated to be held in Australia, from October 18 2020 will be held on schedule or not to take a collective decision with regard to IPL.
