IPL 2020 to start from 26 September: Report

Cricket’s biggest carnival- The Indian Premier League was postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But as per the latest reports, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is looking at all possible options to host the mega event in the September-November window. The possibility of the event being organized will depend heavily on the fate of the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in Australia during this window.

IPL 2020 to be played from September end to November Start

As per the latest reports from the news published in Mumbai Mirror, the BCCI is planning to host the lucrative Indian Premier League between September 26 and November 8. The news came in shortly after the Cricket Australia made it clear that the staging of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia during the October- November window seems unrealistic. If Cricket Australia takes such a bold stand despite ICC’s willingness to host the mega event, then BCCI at any cost would look to stage the IPL during that time.

“Mirror has learnt that it will be between September-end and November-start, more specifically it could be from September 26 to November 8. These dates are subject to the expected postponement/cancellation of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia,” the report said.

Bangalore and Chennai to host IPL 2020

With the existing lockdown rules and strict quarantine measures to be followed for inter-state travels, IPL would have to be played in any one of the states. Mumbai with four world-class stadiums in close corners would have been the ideal choice, but the rising number of COVID cases in Maharashtra takes away its chances.

“Mumbai was to be BCCI’s first choice given the infrastructure, four international stadiums, hotels in close proximity, and connectivity. But the proliferating number of COVID cases is discouraging the IPL managers,” the report read.

Southern states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu which have huge infrastructure and an adequate number of stadiums are now considered for the same. The experience of staging domestic T20 tournaments like TNPL and KPL would add to the advantage of these states.

“Should it be Karnataka or Tamil Nadu (another state where COVID cases are many), the IPL could be staged at the TNPL or KPL venues,” the report added.

IPL will be played at any cost

The thirteenth edition of the tournament was scheduled to start from 29th March 2020, however, it has been indefinitely postponed. The heaps of revenue the tournaments bring in for the BCCI makes it necessary for the board to stage the event at any cost.

“The BCCI is working on all possible options to ensure that we are able to stage the IPL this year, even if it means playing the tournament in empty stadiums. The fans, franchisees, players, broadcasters, sponsors, and all other stakeholders are keenly looking forward to the possibility of IPL being hosted this year,” Ganguly said.

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