Ganguly also talked about plans for a five-Test series in Australia.
BCCI treasurer has already said that if the IPL doesn’t happen, BCCI is set to lose 40 billion rupees ($530 million). Now the same has been confirmed by the BCCI boss, who also said that the apex body of Indian cricket might not have to go for pay cuts if the Indian Premier League (IPL) is held at some point in time.
"We will have to examine our financial situation, see how much money we have, and take a call. Not hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) will cause losses to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore which is huge. If the IPL takes place, we won't have to go in for pay cuts. We'll manage things,” Ganguly said.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal says players may start training post-May 18, if government permits
The IPL 2020 was supposed to begin on March 29 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the travel restrictions put in place in various parts of the globe, the future of IPL remains uncertain. It remains to be seen if the BCCI can find another window in what could turn out to be a cramped cricket schedule when the sport returns.
Another point of concern is the Indian team’s tour to Australia later this year, which is financially important to both India and more to Australia as they can make more than A$ 300 million if the series goes through.
India is scheduled to start the tour with a T20 series in October and play 4 Tests after the T20 World Cup in November-December. Cricket Australia was reportedly considering increasing the Test series by a Test if the tour went through, but Ganguly has shot down the idea.
"I don't think it will be possible for India to participate in five Tests. There will be limited-overs games and plus we have to consider the 14-day quarantine guidelines. All this will extend the tour," Ganguly said.
(Mid-Day inputs)