IPL still possible if starts by May first week: Official
The upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League has been shrouded with speculations amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a fresh update, a BCCI official opened up about staging a complete tournament even if it commences by the first week of May. Earlier, the BCCI had suspended the IPL 2020 till April 15, owing to the coronavirus outburst. Here is more.
Impossible to hold the tournament after May
"We can wait till the end of April. If the first game isn't played by May first week, then it will be almost impossible. Even if we have to wait till the end of April, we can conduct the league successfully," the official told IANS.
IPL may also follow the format of second season
Earlier, there were talks that the this year's IPL could follow the template of 2009 season, which was wrapped up inside 37 days. The second edition of IPL was pushed to South Africa due to Lok Sabha Elections in India. It commenced on April 18, 2009, while the final was played on May 24. The season saw a total number of 22 double-headers.
Fewer venues could mow down the travel
The official asserted that the venues could be reduced in order to cut down on the travel. "You cannot travel around the country in such a scenario. If we get the permissions, we will have a place like Maharashtra," he said He added, "This will help us ensure that teams not only get fresh wickets to play, but also there is minimal travel involved."
Government will come up with new advisory on April 15
India's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, last week, revealed that the government will issue a fresh advisory on April 15, which will likely decide the fate of IPL. "After April 15, the government will come up with new advisory and guidelines. BCCI is a body that looks after cricket which is not an Olympic sport," he said.
