The 13th edition of IPL could be further postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In wake of the growing impact of the deadly outbreak in India, PM Narendra Modi-led government was forced to announce a 21-day lockdown, which is due to end on April 14. However, given the circumstances, it is highly unlikely that the situation will be back to norm by then.
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“We last met the BCCI officials at the HQ and after that the next meeting was called off as it was clear that a clarity from the government on the situation with regards to the pandemic is a must," a franchise official told IANS.
"Now that our 21-day lockdown comes to an end on April 14, we will get clarity on how things stand and if we will need any further steps in that direction to fight COVID-19. Once that clarity is got, we can all sit down and chalk out the road ahead. The owners will meet only after the fresh advisory comes."
The BCCI and IPL governing council are looking at various options to protect the annual event and safeguard the interest of all stakeholders. One of those options is to play the T20 carnival at a new window, with foreign players able to participate.
“Why do you think the October-November window is being looked at? It is because we want a full IPL with the foreign stars," the official said. "Even if the international border lockdown stays for six months, the foreign players would be free to come down by then."
"Yes, every franchise is free to voice their opinion, but let me tell you that would be the last option as a lot of the grandeur that comes with the IPL will then be lost."
Even players are keeping their fingers crossed on the possibility of IPL happening this year, as Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma said.
"Still looking forward, fingers crossed. At some stage, if things settle down, it should happen," Rohit told Kevin Pietersen during Instagram live.
"We have got a few good additions to the squad like Chris Lynn, Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile. Boult is a good buy on a pitch like Wankhede with the swinging ball, I was looking forward to that. Along with Bumrah, he would have made a good combination."
(Inputs from IANS)