Highlights
Here we have the latest IPL 2020 updates. The coronavirus pandemic has affected nearly all major sport events around the world. Several global sporting events around the world have either been postponed or cancelled.
Also, the next phase at this moment is unknown. In cricket too, all ongoing and upcoming international tournaments have been cancelled.Â
On the same light, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was set to start from March 29 onwards.
The preparations had already started and camps saw players getting into the scheme of things ahead of the cash-rich affair.
However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the same. The BCCI’s top brass decided to postpone the IPL 2020 season from March 29 to April 15.
Firstly, it was claimed that foreign players will only be available from mid-April. Last week, India’s Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju said that fans will not be involved and the event will be played behind closed doors.
However, the BCCI then postponed the marquee event and said that the safety and well-being of fans, athletes and employees is a major priority.
What are the likely scenarios that can crop up?
At the moment, it is unknown what’s going to be the exact scenario.
If the IPL does start from April 15, and things do not improve, then one might see the tournament being played behind closed doors.
With no fans present, the tourney will lose its charm. But then the event taking place is itself a major thing.
Another major aspect that will come forward is the availability of foreign stars. There are several questions that come forward.
Will the players travel?
What’s the criteria of the visas? Will cricketers choose to stay back and skip this season? This is a major decision that needs to be taken carefully.
Meanwhile, with two weeks already lost, if the tourney goes ahead, then a schedule formulation needs to be brought forward.
Will we have more double-headers to accommodate matches lost? If the tournament is truncated, then what manner will suit everyone is something the BCCI will need to decide.
Can we then have a curtailed IPL with lesser games? Also, can we have one-two venues to limit travel and promote safety in this regard?
At the moment, the BCCI has done the right thing by taking the decision to act sensibly and taking things on top priority basis.
On top of that, the board is in touch with the government authorities and that makes things crucial. Full marks to the BCCI for being in touch with the larger picture and safety of people.
What happened in the IPL meet?
The IPL Governing Council held a meeting on Saturday and explained to the franchises about the uncertainty at the moment. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly stated that there’s no deadline as to when the league can begin and that the situation in the country is going to be assessed and re-assessed constantly, keeping in mind the security concerns.
“We met with the owners, to tell them how it can happen and where do we stand at the moment. At the moment, it is just postponed. We will assess the situation,” Ganguly said. “It will be re-assessed every week. I can’t say at the moment (about any deadline). It has to be worked around. As much as we want to host the IPL, we also need to be careful about the security,” he added.
What happens if the scenario doesn’t improve?
The schedule this year is tight and a lot will depend on how the coronavirus pandemic turns out. If things continue to worsen, we might not have major sporting activities this year. In the same note, the IPL will then be cancelled entirely.
Even if the situation improves post June-July, it will be impossible for the BCCI to host the IPL 13 edition in second half of the year. With several ICC World Test Championship series getting postponed, the major criteria for the ICC will be to find a window and fit in the same. Also, there is the ICC World T20 scheduled in October-November. Therefore, we might not have IPL 2020 at all and one could be back with a mega IPL auction to kick off the proceedings in the 14th edition of the tournament.
What we know of the coronavirus pandemic?
The coronavirus has had over 1,70,000-plus cases (174,779). Sadly, a total of 6,686 people have lost their lives around the world. China and Italy have reported the most deaths 3,213 and 1,809 respectively. In India, 129 people (including foreigners) have been affected by the virus already. Two deaths have been reported of late.
With each passing day, the state governments are taking measures especially in metropolitan cities. From bars, restaurants and gyms, things are being asked to shut down.
Large gatherings are being avoided. People are being advised to stay at homes and limit outside movement. Offices are being shut and people are being asked to work from home. Screenings, tests and awareness are being spread as well.
We’ll keep you update with the latest IPL 2020 updates exclusively at Kyrosports.