Amid the rising number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India and across the globe, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Saturday (March 14) said that the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) can only be a truncated one provided the situation improves.
Read More: BCCI suspends all domestic cricket until further notice due to the Coronavirus threat
The BCCI on Friday (March 13) rescheduled the start of IPL 2020 from March 29 to April 15 in wake of the novel Coronavirus outbreak, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"It will happen, because if it is April 15, then, in any case 15 days are gone, it has to be truncated. How truncated, how many games, I can't say at the moment," Ganguly told reporters after the end of the IPL Governing Council meeting in Mumbai.
The BCCI boss reiterated that safety is their main concern. Notably, the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa was also called off on Friday keeping in mind the current circumstances.
"We will monitor further. Safety is most important and with the current situation with what is going around the world and in India, with government directives, we have even postponed the remaining domestic matches."
Meanwhile, Delhi government had banned the hosting of IPL 2020 games in the national capital. Maharashtra and Karnataka’s state governments have also expressed their concerns over the staging of IPL 13 at a time when most of the world is taking extreme precautionary measures.
In the meeting between the franchise owners and the board officials, six to seven options were discussed, including a curtailed IPL.
"We met with the owners, to tell them how it can happen and where do we stand at the moment. At the moment, it is just postponed. We will assess the situation," Ganguly said.
"It will be reassessed every week. I can't say at the moment (about any deadline). I has to be worked around. As much as we want to host the IPL, we also need to be careful about the security."
At present, India has tested more than 80 positive cases for COVID-19 and recorded two deaths due to the pandemic, which has rocked the world sport.
Asked if there is any backup plans, Ganguly said, "I can't say anything at the moment, allow us a week, let's see how it goes around the world."
If the reporters are to be believed, the marquee event could feature more double-headers than previously planned and at least five optional venues are being kept ready for its smooth conduct.
(With PTI inputs)
