India’s star opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was hopeful that the 13th edition of the blockbuster Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place this year amid the COVID-19 crisis, saying the staging of IPL 2020 will make a huge impact since there is not cricket for months due to pandemic.
Dhawan, who moved to Delhi Capitals last season after playing six seasons for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, believes that the mega T20 extravaganza will help spread positivity and change the mood of the people during this pandemic time across the world.
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There has been no sporting action since March across the world and Dhawan feels the return of some sports would be helpful in improving the environment and mood in this COVID-19 affected world.
The IPL 2020 has been suspended due to the fast-spreading disease and Dhawan is just keeping finger crossed that the league will happen this year if it finds a window in the calendar year with talks surrounding over the postponement of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Interacting with veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews in an Instagram Live session, Dhawan said: “Hopefully, the IPL will happen. I always think in a positive manner. It will be really good if the tournament goes ahead... the security of everyone will need to be taken care of.”
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He further added, “If IPL happens, it will be really good as it brings a lot of positivity that can be spread all over the world as a lot of people watch it. It’s very important that some sports return to improve the environment and mood... it will have a huge impact if the IPL returns.”
Meanwhile, the authorities have been trying all possible ways for the redemption of cricket with the matches being held behind closed doors without spectators is the best possible option to return to the field after a long break due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.
Dhawan admitted that the players would miss playing in front of packed stadiums when cricket resumes, as he told Mathews: “Obviously, we are going to miss playing in front of a huge crowd if tournaments take place behind closed doors, the fans bring their own charm and aura, but at the same time it would be an opportunity as we have been sitting at our homes for two months now.”
He signed off by saying, “Once we go back, we all will be very hungry to play and perform for our teams, it is going to be good fun, at the end of the day, when we are playing, it is always a good feeling.”
(With PTI Inputs)
