BCCI looks at all possible options to stage IPL 2020

After the International cricket body reached a decision to buy more time to decide on the T20I World Cup slated for October-November 2020 in its meeting on Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made its own move. BCCI has made an internal communication to its linked state unit that plans are on the card to organise the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year.

“The BCCI is working on all possible options to ensure that we are able to stage the IPL this year, even if it means playing the tournament in empty stadiums,” president Ganguly wrote in a letter.

“The fans, franchisees, players, broadcasters, sponsors and all other stakeholders are keenly looking forward to the possibility of IPL being hosted this year,” he added.

In spite of the fact that no partcular time has been given, it is understood that BCCI can only host the IPL after monsoon. Which means, not anytime before the end of September. It leaves the BCCI to use its good office and influence, to make a window for the IPL. Notwithstanding the fact that hosting ,multi-nation events seem a logistical nightmare in the coronavirus affected world.

In order to show what the IPL means to all stakeholders, BCCI President wrote, “Recently a lot of players, both from India and other countries, participating in IPL have also shown their keenness on being a part of this year IPL. We are optimistic and the BCCI will shortly decide on the future course of action on this.”

BCCI stand to put up with a loss of around Rs 4000 crores if the T20 league is called off this year.

The BCCI has also told the state units that SOPs for resumption of training and cricket activities will soon be sent. “The BCCI is in the process of developing a Covid-19 Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for all state cricket associations. Essentially this SOP is being made with a view of providing our Members with a standard set of guidelines which will help the associations to resume cricket in their respective areas. The BCCI has engaged medical specialists for the drafting of this SOP. I would like to assure all our members that the office bearers at BCCI are continuously monitoring the pandemic situation and all efforts are being made to ensure that cricket resumes soon.”

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