The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), like other sporting bodies, is seeking to resume sports activities after the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to most global events around the world.

The Indian cricketing authority has set September and October as a possible startup date for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Initially, the IPL had expressed doubt about staging the biggest league competition in the world this year; however, with countries beginning to open up, the local authorities have seen the latter part of the year as a window of opportunity to reschedule the competition.

Meanwhile, the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup start date continues to be shrouded in uncertainty.

The restart of the IPL would undoubtedly be music to some Windies’ players’ ears, as well as other cricketers, after a long layoff from the game.

Brijesh Patel, chairman of the IPL’s governing council, says a September start is a possibility if the T20 World Cup in Australia and the Asia Cup are postponed.

“Yes, we are looking at those dates, but it all depends on the future of the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup. Subject to that, we are planning [for games in September and October],” said Patel in a press report.

“Again, it depends on how the situation is in September-October. We have to go by the government directive. First, we need the go-ahead from the government.”

Patel also noted that that playing matches without a crowd would not be an issue.

“You can’t play a World Cup in empty stadiums. But the IPL being a league, it can be staged behind closed doors. The official broadcaster is okay with that, and so are the players because they want to play.”

Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore on Friday stated that it is vital the best players from overseas can feature in the IPL.

“The quality of the product is what has made it really, really special,” he said. “I think it is safe to say that the collective view is that we have to have the tournament in its full format; the same number of games, with all the players part of it.”

Nigel Bell, Readers Bureau, Fellow

Edited by Jesus Chan

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