Indian Premier League 2020 has been postponed indefinitely because of the coronavirus Pandemic. If IPL can not be hosted this year, BCCI will have to face a huge revenue loss. So, different options are being discovered to host the lucrative league. IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders‘ CEO Venky Mysore has given a unique idea to host the league while also connecting with the crowd during the matches.
The first and foremost option that has been cited by many is playing the matches behind the close doors. But playing a whole tournament without spectators will be an unprecedented experience for players. The crowd plays a significant role in motivating and influencing players. Their support in the field gives more confidence to a team.
We’re definitely going to have some challenges: Venky Mysore
Hence, Venky Mysore has said that if the crowd can not be present physically, they can join the match virtually. The KKR CEO explains that big LED screens can be used in the stadium, and the crowd can be connected through social media. He further added that the franchise would have to think out of box ideas to carry on the league.
“We’re definitely going to have some challenges. If we’re lucky enough that things will settle down or the tournament will take place later this year, it’s clearly going to be in what they’ll call as a stadium lockdown mode. Which means straightaway the ticket revenues are affected, your food and beverage revenue is affected, the merchandising sales at the stadium is affected.”
People have said something about simulation too: Venky Mysore
“The challenge to us is how do you activate the sponsors? Are there ways in which you can compensate for this?. Technology is going to play a massive role. I am just saying, if you’re thinking out of the box – an LED wall in stands where, through social media, [fans] can virtually be present there. There are people who’ll be reacting the same way if they were physically at the ground. People have said something about simulation too,” Mysore said during an ESPNcricinfo Stump Mic podcast.
According to reports, BCCI is planning to organise the lucrative league in September or October if ICC gets ready to shift the T20 World Cup’s schedule.