According to former England captain Michael Vaughan, a five-week Indian Premier League is still a possibility if the Coronavirus pandemic is brought under control. India is currently observing a 21-day lockdown in order to delay the spread of COVID-19.
My thoughts on the IPL .. as it’s such an important tournament for the games economy globally not just in India .. I would play a 5 week tournament Sept/Oct including all players as a warm up for the T20 WC .. that’s if we are clear to travel by then .. ? Thoughts ? #Stayhome
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 3, 2020
The country has witnessed more than 2000 positive cases, out of which 50 people have lost their lives. Earlier, the IPL was postponed till April 15 and in all likelihood, it will extend. “Here’s a thought .. The IPL is played for the 5 weeks leading up to the T20 World Cup in Oz .. all players use it as the great warm-up for the WC .. then the WC happens .. So important for the game that the IPL takes place but also the WC,” Vaughan tweeted.
IPL is an important tournament for games economy globally: Michael Vaughan
Interestingly, the World T20 in Australia is set to commence on October 18, meaning the IPL in the September window could be seen as a build-up to the showpiece event. In the same month, India is supposed to take part in the Asia Cup in the UAE; after which the men in blue will host England in a three-match ODI and T20I series respectively.
“September is the time when there is monsoon in India. Mumbai will be under water, there could be steady rain in Chennai. It is a decision that can’t be taken that lightly,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
However, at this point, the fate of the cash-rich event can only be decoded post the lock-down period. The tournament was originally scheduled to take place from March 29 onwards. Most of the franchises had conducted practice sessions but players went back to their respective states once the postponement was announced.