The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to postpone the ongoing IPL 2021 on May 4, 2021, Tuesday, due to COVID-19 cases erupting in the team bio-bubbles.
A total of 4 players tested positive for the Coronavirus which include Varun Chakravarthy, Sandeep Warrier, Amit Mishra, and Wriddhiman Saha. Apart from them, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach L Balaji and a support staff member tested positive for the virus, sending their respective teams and others into quarantine.
Now while the pause button has been pushed on the IPL 14, the board is keen to tap the September window before the T20 World Cup to finish the league.
"Why not? If the foreign players are available and the COVID-19 situation is in control, we can definitely look at that window before the T20 WC. It can in fact act as a good preparation ground for the showpiece event," a senior BCCI official in the know of developments told ANI.
The T20 World Cup is set to be played in India in October and November.
Asked about the situation with regards to the return of the foreign players who were part of the league, the official said: "As mentioned by BCCI earlier as well, it shall be ensured that all the players reach home safely. Planning is on and a clear picture will be out by tomorrow on their travel routes."
There are chances that the T20 World Cup might also be shifted to the UAE, which has been a standby venue ever since India faced the second wave of Coronavirus in March 2021.
(ANI inputs)
