IPL ON THE CARDS? EXPECTATION MOUNTS AS GOVT PERMITS LIMITED SPORTING ACTIVITY RELAXING RESTRICTIONS! REPORT

Cricket fans got the best surprise after the Indian government relaxed restrictions on sporting events. The government allowed cricket to resume behind closed doors in the country, which means IPL could take place in 2020.

Hours after the government announced this news, BCCI welcomed it's decision and said it was premature to think about the IPL at this point. “Sports complexes and stadium will be permitted to open; however, spectators will not be allowed,” the home ministry said in its statement on the fresh rules. 

The IPL, can take place subject to travel restrictions being which the BCCI postponed indefinitely in April due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With all the new rules, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that "All social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/culturual/religious functions/other gatherings and large congregations" will continue to remain prohibited.

Meanwhile, Arun Dhumal, the BCCI treasurer, said in a media statement issued by BCCI that "Taking into the account the restrictions on air travel and movement of people till May 31, the BCCI will wait further before organising a skill-based training camp for its contracted players," Dhumal said. 

"The board reiterates that the safety and well-being of its athletes and support staff is paramount and will not rush into any decision that can hamper or jeopardise India's efforts in containing the spread of the virus," he added. 

Also at a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, when Dhumal was asked whether the BCCI would now start thinking about conducting the IPL later this year, he said "a window would first need to open up in the cricket calendar in addition to governments worldwide allowing international travel so that overseas players' participation could be guaranteed."