Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has recently talked about how it is possible to organise the IPL 2020 despite observing the present crisis condition. The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League or IPL 2020 was initially scheduled to be organised between 29th March and 24th May 2020. But while the novel COVID-19 or coronavirus is dominating the world, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has postponed this tournament till mid-April.
However, the crisis condition is still not over yet across the global. The coronavirus cases are still increasing along with the death reports as many countries are still struggling to control the situation. Like many other events, the IPL 2020 is likely to face further postponement.
But Kevin Pietersen still believes that the IPL 2020 can be organised during the second half of this year. He feels that every player is desperate to participate in this tournament.
On Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected, Pietersen claimed, “Let’s say July/August is the earliest, I do truly believe the IPL should happen. I do believe it is the kick-start to the cricket season. I think every single player around the world is desperate to play the IPL.”
Kevin Pietersen deeply discussed how IPL 2020 could be organised in the late period
Pietersen is defending the IPL 2020 after understanding that many people are depended on this tournament. He has suggested organising the IPL 2020 in three safe venues in the empty stadium which can help to complete this tournament under a month.
The former English cricketer said, “There could be a way in which to get some money into the franchises, into the economy by having a situation where you use maybe three venues which are completely closed to fans and the players can still go out and play the tournament in three weeks or in four weeks.
“So, it’s a more condensed tournament in three venues which we know are safe, which we know are secure.”
Maharashtra can provide at least three different venues for the IPL 2020. However, the state is in the list of most suffering in India due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Talking about the ground spectators, Pietersen feels that it is still not the right time to allow the fans on the ground. Pietersen is only supporting live broadcasting.
He added, “I don’t think the fans need to be risked in this situation. I think the fans need to understand they can’t watch a live game at the moment and they might not be able to watch a live game for the foreseeable future.
“(But) what would you guys give right now, to watch Mumbai Indian’s versus Chennai Super Kings right now?”
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has also supported to organise the IPL 2020 once all the authorities provide the necessary clearances.