Despite the rise of the Coronavirus pandemic, the ICC has been discussing the roadmap for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 to be played in Australia later this year. The tournament is supposed to be held in October-November, but there are growing concerns for the ICC event.                                       

Australia has closed its border till September to stop incoming passengers and stemming the spread of the virus in the country. Hence the International Cricket Council (ICC) is discussing the contingency plans for the event in Australia after the coronavirus brought the world to a standstill.

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Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, however, opines that the Indian Premier League (IPL) should be the first tournament that should be held before any other cricket begins, in a chance to give players time to prepare themselves for the T20 World Cup.

"It would be the best option to resume with IPL as it will be played for over 2 months. So everyone will get time to prepare themselves. In my opinion, it would be better to resume cricket with IPL than with any series," Chahal told in an interview with Sports Tak.

No final decision happened in the recent ICC chief executives' committee, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that the tournament may be moved to Feb-March 2021. There is also a possibility of the first few matches happening in empty stadiums for a period of time.

The ICC also discussed legalizing ball-tampering for time being and ban the use of saliva to shine the ball, given that it is a medium of spreading the virus. Talking on the issue, Chahal said, "It will have an impact on drift and swing on the ball. So, in the end, it will become easier for batsmen. So another rule should be added then that if a batsman hits a six then he himself will have to bring back the ball.”

The lockdown in India was imposed on March 24 and was extended to May 3 on April 14 by the government of India. Chahal mentioned that it was difficult for a few weeks in the lockdown.

He said, "In 20 years of cricket career, this is the first time that I am not being able to do anything. But you can take it positively also that it will make you mentally stronger. It was difficult for me in the initial two days because I haven't stayed at home for so long."

(India today inputs)