There is speculation that the BCCI is eyeing October-November window for IPL 2020 if the T20 World Cup, slated to be played in Australia from October 18 to November 15, gets suspended due to travel restrictions in place in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A clearer picture about the window for IPL may emerge if the ICC takes a quick decision on the fate of this year's T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, former India skipper Mohammed Azharuddin has stated that BCCI should look to host the Indian Premier League as the cash-rich event is important for all stakeholders.
Notably, cricket is set to be resumed with the England-West Indies Test series from July 8.
“England has taken a very big and a bold step, cricket will restart as a result of this. England and West Indies series will set the ball rolling. And I hope the IPL also happens because a lot of people are connected with it, Indian players and international as well. The boards also need to sit and decide on the T20 World Cup as soon as possible," Azharuddin said on Salaam Cricket 2020.
He was also critical of a few former Australian pacers who said IPL is an opportunity for the Indian board to make money.
"According to me the first tournament which was scheduled that is important. T20 World Cup is already in the itinerary. But all this can only happen after the vaccine comes. The IPL is very important, because everybody has to gain from this.
"Some former Aussie seamers said IPL is a money-grab for the Indian board. But it is actually true for everybody, even the overseas players. People should not say such things because it is an important tournament and the board should look to hold it," Azharuddin said.
In order to avoid the potential on-field COVID-19 spread, the International Cricket Council has banned the traditional practice of using saliva to shine the ball.
Saliva is primarily used on a new ball for swing purpose. No wonder, Azharuddin feels it would be a challenge for bowlers.
"On the matter of the saliva ban, it will be very difficult. Even now if I get a ball I shine it first with my saliva before passing it on to someone else.
"Cricket has to restart but following so many guidelines won't be easy. Till the time the ENG-WI matches don't happen we won't get to know what is right and what is wrong. It all depends on the players, they are taking a big risk. Cricket is a contact sport because there is only one ball which travels from player-to-player and in the stands as well the fans touch it.
"Therefore, I think the boards need to sit and discuss about this as soon as possible. Cricket needs to restart but only after taking all precautions. Every person needs to be safe because health comes first," he said.
(Inputs from India Today)
