Indian former cricketers Anil Kumble and VVS Laxman hopes that IPL would happen this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the scheduled sports event has been postponed. The lockdown makes an impact on many major sports events including IPL 2020 and Men’s T20 cricket World cup 2020.
Earlier IPL 2020 has been planned to begin from March 29 while Australia scheduled to host T20 World cup later the year. Originally BCCI planned to host the IPL from March 29 but made an announcement of suspending till further notice as lockdown extends. In order to avoid the huge loss BCCI seeks the possibility to host IPL 2020 in September – November window.
KXIP head coach Anil Kumble’s hope
Right-arm leg spinner Anil Kumble, who is a member of the ICC Technical Committee and also the head coach of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) said that the T20 league is possible even if it goes ahead without fans and at limited venues.
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“Yes, we are hopeful and optimistic that there’s still a possibility if we can cram in the schedule. If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have 3 or 4 venues; there’s still a possibility, we are all optimistic,” Kumble said on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.
Laxman echoed Kumble’s views and added that one venue which has multiple grounds should be identified to reduce travelling and minimise the infection.
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“Absolutely, and also make sure that all the stakeholders have a say. Anil (Kumble) mentioned that you can have two or four venues, I still feel that you should identify one venue, which probably has 3 or 4 grounds; if at all you find that kind of a venue because travel is again going to be quite challenging,” he said.
“You don’t know who’s going to be where at the airports so that I’m sure the franchises and the BCCI will be looking into,” he added.
