The BCCI has suspended this year’s IPL till further notice. “After the government extended the lockdown (till May 3), it has been decided that the IPL shall remain suspended till further notice,” a top BCCI official said on Wednesday. IPL COO Hemang Amin shared the news with the franchises after the decision was taken over a conference call on Tuesday involving BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Dhumal, IPL chairman Brijesh Patel and Amin.
When the franchises were last invited at the BCCI headquarters to discuss the fallout of the Covid-19 outbreak on March 14, a number of contingency plans were discussed, be it a closed-door tournament or a truncated event. But with the lockdown extended, all backup plans are now on the backburner.
All stakeholders—BCCI, the franchises and broadcaster Star India—will now be left counting the losses unless they can find an alternate window, most likely between September-November.
Any rescheduling, however, will hinge on a number of factors. Firstly, containment of the virus and resumption of domestic and international travel would be necessary. If the government allows resumption of sporting activity (with or without spectators) the BCCI will then need to use its clout at the International Cricket Council (ICC) and with other member boards to rejig the international calendar so that the IPL is given precedence.
Former cricketer and Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has spoken about using the September window for the IPL. “I think some of the boards will be eager. Just before the World Cup, it will set the tone for a hectic season,” Laxman told Star Sports.
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