IPL to be held in empty stadiums post lockdown? Here's what BCCI said

The IPL was originally scheduled to be held from March 29 to May 24

IPL 2019 final: We were passing trophy to each other, says CSK’s Dhoni (File) Chennai Super Kings captain M.S. Dhoni and Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma (left) during the 2019 IPL final | AFP

Putting to rest all speculations that Indian Premier League 2020 can be held behind closed doors, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said it “will not rush into any decision” on restarting the sport amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The IPL, which was originally scheduled to be held from March 29 to May 24, was indefinitely postponed by the BCCI due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown announced by the Centre.

After the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed sports complexes and stadia to open for sports activities, sans spectators, as part of the guidelines issued today for lockdown 4.0, there were speculations that it means green signal for the IPL to be held in empty stadiums.

However, later in the evening, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal reiterated that the safety and well-being of its athletes and support staff remains the priority. “Taking into the account the restrictions on air travel and movement of people till May 31, the BCCI will wait further before organizing a skill-based training camp for its contracted players,” the statement said.

“The Board reiterates that the safety and well-being of its athletes and support staff is paramount and will not rush into any decision that can hamper or jeopardize India’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus.

“In the meantime, the BCCI will study guidelines at the state level and will work in sync with State Cricket Associations to chalk out a programme for skill-based training at a local level. The BCCI Office-Bearers will continue their interactions with the team management and draw up a suitable plan for the entire team once the situation further improves,” the statement said.

Earlier, former Australia captain Mark Taylor had said that he felt that eventually this year's ICC T20 World Cup would be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, opening the doors for BCCI to host the lucrative IPL in that time slot.

The ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia from October 18 to November 15, is shrouded in uncertainty even as some sporting action has begun with strict guidelines in place.

Taylor said if postponed IPL is held, the travel will be a player's individual responsibility and not his national Board's.

Mike Hesson, Royal Challengers Bangalore's director of cricket operations, too, had expressed hope that the IPL will take place this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and had said his franchise will be ready when it happens.

"We're still really hopeful that things will evolve and there will be an IPL this year and if it happens, then I can assure you that RCB will be ready," an optimistic Hesson said on Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

The pandemic has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sporting events, including the Tokyo Olympics.

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