IPL 2020: Mike Hesson optimistic over fate of IPL 13 despite COVID-19 lockdown 

The league's 13th edition remains indefinitely postponed due to the pandemic.

By Kashish Chadha - 17 May, 2020

Mike Hesson, the director of cricket operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), is still optimistic over the fate of IPL 2020 and sees the tournament happening at some stage this year despite the COVID-19 crisis. 

Originally due to be played from March 29, IPL 2020 remains indefinitely suspended at the moment because of the dangerous outbreak of the Coronavirus, which has brought the world to a rare standstill. 

Read Also: Mark Taylor foresees T20 World Cup suspension opening up new window for IPL 2020 

For Hesson, this must be really disappointing, as the suspension has robbed him of an opportunity to positively influence the fortune of a struggling RCB team. 

The Virat Kohli-led unit failed to reach the play-offs last season and hasn't lifted the prestigious trophy since the league's inaugural season in 2008. 

"We're still really hopeful that things will evolve and there will be an IPL this year and if it happens, then I can assure you that RCB will be ready," said Hesson on Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected. 

"We were obviously a week away from (from the start and) coming into camp, like everybody else, feeling well advanced in terms of our planning."

"Quite rightfully, everything has been put on hold and everybody is going about their work. There are obviously other priorities at the moment that people are focussing on," added the 45-year-old.

BCCI and IPL franchises are hoping for the health crisis to be over as soon as possible and a new tournament window to be found, given the money involved for all stakeholders, who are otherwise set for heavy losses. 

(Inputs from PTI)

By Kashish Chadha - 17 May, 2020

TAGS