The novel COVID-19 or coronavirus has forced to postpone global events, including many recent cricket events. Even if the cricket matches begin soon after controlling the situation, it is tough to organise the games in the crowded stadiums. Initially, there is a big chance to organise cricket matches in the empty stadiums. Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell believes that the IPL can be organised without crowd but not the big international tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup.
The IPL 2020 was initially scheduled to be played from 29th March to 24th May 2020. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to postpone this tournament amid coronavirus outbreak in the country and globally. The BCCI is sorting out the various plans to organise the IPL 2020, but it only can be possible if the situation gets controlled, which is still far away. However, many believe that there is a rare possibility to organise the IPL 2020 in the crowded stadiums.
Meanwhile, it is also the year of ICC T20 World Cup. Australia will host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 from 18th October to 15th November 2020. Like many other countries, Australia is also battling against the coronavirus which has also made doubtful the future of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020.
Glenn Maxwell feels that playing in front of the crowd is the important factor of this game. He believes that the IPL can be played in empty stadiums, but a similar practice can’t be followed for the T20 World Cup.
Maxwell told ABC Grandstand, “It’s going to be hard for us to have crowds. I think if IPL goes ahead they can probably survive without any crowds, but I can’t see the T20 World Cup surviving without any people there.”
I can’t see it happening in the near future: Glenn Maxwell about the future of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020
Observing the present crisis, Maxwell believes that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 is unlikely happening soon.
He added, “It’s going to be hard for us to justify having a World Cup when we can’t get people into the grounds. So I can’t see it happening in the near future. We’ve got to take care of everyone’s health and wellbeing.”
However, recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified that they are confident to organise the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 on the proper time.