The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already postponed the IPL 2020 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. But while the situation is rising continuously in India, the possibility of IPL 2020 is more under the cloud. The tournament can be even cancelled.
Initially, the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) was scheduled from 29th March to 24th May 2020. But due to the global spread of COVID-19 or coronavirus, which is also rising in India, the government has taken some crucial steps. Some of these are cancelling the visas till 15th April 2020 or allowing the unavoidable events only behind the closed doors. In fact, now, many public places are getting shut down at least for 31st March.
The BCCI is also accepting the current situation. While they are monitoring the present condition, the board has already postponed the beginning of IPL 2020 till mid-April. However, IPL 2020 is still doubtful, especially when the condition is more worrying in the present situation.
According to the IANS, the IPL franchise owners will have a conference call on Monday (16th March) evening. Observing the present situation in India and the world, this season’s IPL can be even called off.
An official from one of the IPL franchises told IANS, “We are having a conference call today in the evening and we will discuss the situation, but just look around. Schools, colleges, malls, movie theaters have all been closed. In fact, even gyms have closed now after the fresh directive from the health department. So, in such a scenario, it is only obvious that we might get to a situation where the league may have to be called off for a season.”
IPL 2020: We all realise that nothing beats human safety
Another official has clarified how much lose the franchises have to bear if the tournament can’t be organised this year. However, everyone realises that human safety is the ultimate priority.
The official claimed, “See, we will be having basic loses of around Rs 15-20 crore which comes with paying salaries and other things that come with the successful organization of the league. But there are other loses as well like those that come from merchandise sales etc. While tickets and all are insured, these are loses which the franchises will have to bear if the tournament doesn’t happen. But then, we all realise that nothing beats human safety.”
IPL franchises want the availability of foreigners from the beginning of the season. However, even 15th April passes, there will be no assurance on the availability of foreigners for IPL 2020.
An official from a franchise said, “Rightly pointed, even as we keep talking about getting foreign players their visas, what also needs to be checked is whether the foreign boards will allow their players to come in if and when the government makes an exception for the players. While all boards want the IPL to happen at present, you never know what the call will be at the end of the month. It all depends on whether we see a drastic positive change in the situation.”
As there is the jam-packed schedule is waiting in international cricket from the beginning of the 2020 season, there is very lesser chance to stretch the ending time of IPL 2020.