IPL AND T20 MEN’S WORLD CUP: NO CRICKET IN INDIA IN THE NEAR FUTURE, SAYS BCCI PRESIDENT SOURAV GANGULY

The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus spread has left sporting events to take a backseat. In the foreseeable future, sports are most likely to be played in empty stadiums, until the threat of this virus is completely seized. In India, cricketers have been open to this idea, as the first ODI between Australia and New Zealand in March was played without fans at the venue. Similarly, the fifth day of the Ranji Trophy final between Saurashtra and Bengal, had closed the doors for the live audience.

While Indians were eagerly anticipating for the IPL to take place this summer, followed by the T20 World Cup in October, both these tournaments might not be taking place this year. Although fans were expecting the IPL dates to be squeezed in, before the T20 World Cup in October, the BCCI President, Sourav Ganguly has made it clear by saying that there will be no sporting events in the near future, since health is more important.

“…there will be no cricket in India in the near future,” Ganguly told TOI on Tuesday. “There are too many ifs and buts involved. More importantly, I don’t believe in sport when there is a risk to human life.”

Harbhajan Singh, who is part of the Chennai Super Kings team in the IPL, agreed and said, "When IPL teams travel, there's a huge crowd at the airports, hotels, outside the stadium. How are you going to stop them if you are looking to maintain social distancing? There should be no top-flight cricket till there is a vaccine for COVID-19."

A huge cloud of doubt lingers with regards to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as the tournament was previously scheduled for October in Australia and Australia has debarred international visits until September 30, to contain the virus spread. ICC Chief Executive Sawhney said, “In relation to ICC events, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, we will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government. We will utilize all of the data and information available to us to ensure we can take responsible decisions around all competitions at an appropriate time that are in the best interests of our sport.”