The ICC T20 World Cup 2020 is to be hosted by Australia in October-November this year. However, with the country closing its borders till September, the likelihood of the tournament happening amidst the Coronavirus pandemic is getting lesser as the days progress.
This also means Cricket Australia needs to find an alternate way to make up for the losses that might occur from the postponement of such a big event. That is why they are betting on an extended tour by the Indian cricket team this season, in the event of the T20 World Cup being moved to next year or canceled.
“We’re in deep trouble if things don’t change,” says Dean Jones with respect to T20 World Cup 2020
The BCCI is keen on a leadership role in cricket’s recovery once the sport resumes and this might mean India’s itinerary will see a major rewrite. India will honor its old commitments and undertake tours that didn’t take place because of the ongoing lockdown and add new series to its already over-packed Future Tours Programme (FTP).
Any series that India plays outside its home attracts millions of eyeballs and is lucrative to the home board and that’s what Cricket Australia is counting on. An extended series of limited-overs matches between India and Australia may result in a multi-fold increase in broadcast rights and in-stadia advertisements revenue.
Usually, this sort of arrangement has been done by smaller nations like New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka to sustain themselves, the COVID 19 pandemic has made even a bigger cricketing nation like Australia under financial stress.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said India will lend a helping hand to boards dealing with the economic uncertainty. He said, “Once things settle down, BCCI will chalk out a plan. There are a few suggestions, for example, we are scheduled to play Zimbabwe in the coming days which might not happen. But we will try to play them once the situation improves. This will give a chance for Zimbabwe to earn money through their TV deals.”
“There is a chance one has to relook at the FTP (Future Tours Programme) or have a rejig in scheduling. All things will get clear once the Coronavirus is gone and then only can we have detailed talks on how to find a solution in terms of helping other boards,” Dhumal added.
The BCCI treasurer knows that India will play a big role once things are back to normal, and they want to play the role of ‘big brother’.
BCCI official says "T20 World Cup in October seems impractical" due to COVID-19 pandemic
“We want to be like a big brother to them in these tough times. Our secretary Jay (Shah) put forward a proposal during the ICC meeting and everybody appreciated it. The situation won’t be the same again, for sure. Every board will suffer some way or the other. Nobody knows the exact numbers. As our secretary Jay said in the meeting, the BCCI wants to take everyone along. We understand cricket economics. BCCI will help other boards so that they can stand on their feet once things get better,” Dhumal explained.
“BCCI is fine at the moment. Players’ interest is paramount to us. We have instructed to release the money to our players, including domestic cricketers. Officials will be getting their dues in the coming days.” Dhumal said about the effect of the pandemic on the coffers of BCCI.
(Indian Express inputs)
