The Indian Premier League's (IPL) Season 12 which has been deferred as of now due to the spread of COVID-19 might be held in September. The chances of it being held in April are over and May, too, appears to be difficult with the pandemic showing no signs of being contained. At least that is the most likely window that all stakeholders including BCCI, broadcaster and franchisees are looking at. With global sports events coming to a halt and no certainty yet as to when these are likely to resume, September is emerging as a possible IPL window.
According to information available with THE WEEK, even if the 21-day lockdown ends in April, there is no clarity on when the restrictions on travel—both domestic and international—as well as those on large crowds will be lifted. Australia has already imposed a travel ban for six months. India's travel ban is currently on. Taking all these factors into consideration, September and early October are the other windows being explored. According to reports, the broadcaster Star Sports and the franchisees would rather have a curtailed three-week-long competition than none at all.
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The broadcaster is keen even for a curtailed IPL sans foreign players this year itself. A top official of IPL said: "The comparisons to Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy will not hold if this IPL is all Indian affair. The SMA trophy has all state teams. This will be eight teams plus we will have all top Indian players from Virat Kohli to MS Dhoni playing. There will be an audience for it, believes the broadcaster. "
Besides, with no cricket competitions in near future before going into the ICC T20 World Cup in October in Australia, a T20 competition will be more than welcome by players many believe. “If a 21-25 day IPL is held, then there will be some money coming in from central sponsors and broadcasters. It remains to be seen whether foreign players will come for a reduced competition and agree to a cut in their contracts."
However, there is a catch here. India is slated to feature in the Asia Cup in September; it is to be played in a T20 format. But with Pakistan as hosts and the current issues between the governments of India and Pakistan, the fate of the tournament is in limbo. Bangladesh was being considered as a possible host but nothing is certain as of now. Star Sports is also the official broadcaster of Asia Cup.
BCCI officials will have to do some juggling to work out the competition schedule. India is scheduled to host England for 3 ODIs and 3 T20i series in September. The deferred South Africa tour to India for the short format competitions too has to be adjusted. Before going into the T20 WC, India is also scheduled to play 3 T20is in Australia.
As of now, ICC and Cricket Australia have not commented on any change in schedule of the month-long ICC Men's T20 WC scheduled from October 18-November 15.
