Citing the example of an India-Pakistan match in 1999, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar suggested Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) and Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council organize the upcoming IPL 2020 behind the close doors to avoid a complete cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The global outbreak of coronavirus has already impacted many sporting events across the globe with some of them forced to either postponed or canceled or being played at the empty stadiums, though, the number of cricket matches has been given the go-ahead to take place behind closed doors.
The ongoing matches between Australia and New Zealand, as well as, India and South Africa will be played in front of empty stands, though the live-action on TV will be provided by the broadcasters.
Given the sensitive situation across the globe because of the deadly virus, the hosting of the upcoming IPL 2020 is in danger with the Indian government has already instructed the organizers to kept fans away from the event to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Well, the upcoming 2020 season of the IPL is highly considering a closed-door edition, and Gavaskar and VVS Laxman have backed the idea to avoid a complete cancellation of the 13th season.
The legendary batsman Gavaskar has also cited the example of an India-Pakistan Test match of Asian Test Championship – which played in front of empty stands in February 1999, saying there is no harm to host the T20 extravaganza in front of empty stands.
Gavaskar said at the pre-match show in Star Sports: “There is one example of an India-Pakistan match played in front of empty stands in Eden gardens Kolkata after Sachin (Tendulkar) got run out and there was unrest in the crowd. I think the game was stopped on that particular day but the next day it was continued in front of empty stands. So, there is a precedent as far Indian cricket is concerned. So clearly if it has to happen then it can happen. Whatever it is the best for everyone that has to be taken into account. And if it’s best for everyone to play in front of empty stands, so be it.”
Meanwhile, Laxman said: “As long as it is not risky for players, the support staff, broadcasters, camera persons the tournament can go on and playing in front of empty stands is not a problem. You see the way IPL is followed, millions of people watch it on TV whereas the spectators who come to the ground will be around 30-40 thousand, based on the capacity of the ground.”
He further added, “Yes, as cricketers you want to play in front of a large crowd but eventually, if it is risky then we are better of playing in empty stands, making sure everyone’s well being is taken care of and the people sitting in their drawing rooms can enjoy the live-action.”
On the other hand, the fate of IPL 2020 will be decided on Saturday (March 14) with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared coronavirus as a global pandemic, Gavaskar urged people to take the precautionary measures seriously to avoid being come at the contact of a life-threatening virus.
He signed off by saying, “Probably we didn’t take it that seriously at the beginning. But it multiples, it will start with 2, it suddenly becomes 20, 20 becomes 200 and so on. So, we have to be as careful as we can, take all the precautions which we are hearing on our phones now. We as a country can be more hygienic for sure, plenty of room for improvement needed there. Hopefully, this will make our habits better. We tend to spit anywhere, throw stuff around anywhere, we don’t relay care. Hopefully, this will make for a change in Indian habits. You take precautions. And I think better safe than sorry.”
(With Hindustan Times Inputs)
