Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has suggested India and Australia to swap the hosting rights of T20 World Cups in the wake of the novel Coronavirus outbreak.
While Australia is scheduled to host the sixth edition of T20 World Cup in October-November this year, India is slated to stage the same tournament in 2021.
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Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said if the swap is possible then IPL 2020 can also be held in September, provided that COVID-19 curve flattens in India.
"At the moment, as we all know, Australia has barred foreigners from entering the country till the 30th of September. The tournament is starting from mid-October or the 3rd week of October, so it's looking a bit difficult at the moment," quoted Gavaskar.
"If it can be done... next year's T20 World Cup is in India. If it can be done... where India and Australia come to an agreement... In case the curve in India flattens out and India and Australia swap... so the T20 World Cup is in India in October-November this year and Australia in October-November next year, then it can happen.
"If it is going to happen that way, then maybe what can happen is the IPL can be held just prior to the T20 World Cup so that it's enough practice for the players to have T20 World Cup.
Gavaskar also said the organisers can consider postponing the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in September. Notably, Pakistan has the hosting rights of the multi-nation event which is due to be played in UAE.
"Then the Asia Cup can be held in December in the UAE. That's a much better time to have the tournament than in September when it can be extremely hot," he said.
Last week, the BCCI suspended the 13th edition of IPL until further notice after Indian government extended the COVID-19 lockdown till May 3.
Given that Australia has sealed its borders for the next six months to combat this dealy virus, the staging of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is also under threat.
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (April 23) will review contingency plans for this year's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.
"In relation to ICC events, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, we will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government," ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said.
