Kings XI Punjab director of operations Anil Kumble is hopeful of IPL season 13 happening later this year and is okay with it happening without spectators due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The BCCI wants to hold the IPL in the October window after the tournament was postponed indefinitely earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though nothing is official yet.

“Yes, we are hopeful and optimistic that there is still a possibility (to hold IPL this year) if we can cram in the schedule. If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have 3 or 4 venues; there’s still a possibility, we are all optimistic,” Kumble was quoted as saying by Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’.

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His sentiments were shared by former India batsman VVS Laxman who suggested having the league in cities that have multiple stadiums in order to reduce travel for players.

“Absolutely (there is a chance to hold IPL this year), and also make sure that all the stakeholders have a say. You should identify one venue, which probably has 3 or 4 grounds; if at all you find that kind of a venue because travel is again going to be quite challenging. You don’t know who’s going to be where at the airports so that I’m sure the franchises and the BCCI will be looking into,” the veteran of 134 Tests and 86 ODIs said.

(PTI inputs)