Amid a sharp increase in the COVID-19 cases in India even during the lockdown, the Indian Premier League (IPL) remains one of the top topics among the top trends in the country with the decision still pending on the fate of IPL 2020 due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
The IPL 13 was originally scheduled to start on March 29 but it was first postponed till April 15 after a surge of COVID-19 positive cases in India and later an extended COVID-19 lockdown led the premier T20 event to suspend indefinitely and even still the future of the IPL 2020 is in jeopardy.
Regarding the fate of the IPL 2020, India’s premier fast bowler Mohammad Shami has on Wednesday (May 6) expressed his view on the possibility of the tournament this year, saying he does not see the IPL 13 taking place this year, as the time is running out to stage the league this year.
Read Also: IPL: Harbhajan Singh opines on the future of T20 tournaments amid COVID-19 lockdown
In an exclusive interview with Sports Tak, Shami said: “I was speaking to Irfan Bhai as well on the possibilities of Indian Premier League. I don’t think there is time for IPL this year. Our T20I World Cup may also get pushed. Everything has come to a stop. We have to reschedule everything. We have to see where to place everything, accordingly. Hence, I don’t feel the IPL will be possible.”
However, the pacer believes that the IPL 2020 may take place by the end of the year if the COVID-19 lockdown gets over early, but says many players would need a month to get back into shape and find their rhythm to get back into the cricket field.
He continued, “We have to wait and see how long our lockdown lasts. If our lockdown gets over early, then we may see IPL happen this year - even though later in the year. It will be great if IPL happens before the T20 World Cup, as the players can get used to the format, and also get back to their rhythm.
The sports person’s body needs to get used to the scenario. Every player needs time to get the groove and rhythm back. Players need at least a month to get back into shape. 95 percent of my sports stars are stuck inside their house. They can’t do many activities. So, they need time to get back on the field.”
During the interview, Shami has also opened up about his personal life that hit rock-bottom after his estranged wife Haseen Jahan accused him of domestic violence and adultery in 2018 and he was even booked for domestic violence under IPC Section 498A and is still fighting a case of dowry in court.
Recently, the pacer also revealed that he thought of committing suicide 3 times during this phase, but now he is a completely different both as person and cricketer, thanks to training and staying focused on his game as well as his family and friends’ support throughout this period.
Read Also: Thought of committing suicide thrice while battling personal issues: Mohammad Shami
He further explained, “I haven't changed myself as much as I have in these two years. I pray to God that nobody has to see the kind of up and down I have seen in my life. I've never worked so hard in my life. Also, I didn't give up. I've changed my training, lifestyle, food habits, and all that has helped me cope with all the issues in my life in the last 2-3 years. You will see a lot of difference in my fitness and skill today as compared to what it was before 2015.
Such things were going on in my life that I wasn't able to tolerate it or face the issues properly. I was fortunate that my friends and family were with me during that phase and were more worried about me than myself. I once expressed to them in ager that death would be better than living like this and they got very scared. That's why they sacrificed their own lives to be with me all the time.”
Shami signed off by saying, “But by god's grace everything is back to normal now and life is back on track. The case of dowry against me is going on in court but we'll see what happens. I haven't met my daughter in a very long time but spoke on a video call with her once. It's not easy to stay away from your children for any parent. But I hope that I get to meet her soon.”
(With India Today Inputs)
