“A Shortened Tournament Perhaps Possible”
English wicket-keeper and batsman Jos Butler has expressed hope that a condensed IPL might happen this year. Butler plays for Rajasthan Royals in IPL.
The cash-rich IPL was due to begin on March 29th initially but was postponed until April 15th as a result of the corona outbreak.
But as India is under 21-day lockdown, which will end on April 15th, it is highly unrealistic to expect the tournament will start on that day. The English player speaking in a Sky Sports podcast about the IPL taking place said, “We saw, initially, that it was going to be postponed. It’s tough to see this changing in the immediate future, so I don’t see that as a possibility at the moment.
He added, “Obviously, it’s such a massive tournament for world cricket, so hopefully some of it can go ahead – perhaps a shortened tournament.”
The attacking batsman is currently training in his house with the English Cricket Board (ECB), sending training equipment and fitness regime to its players with no cricket action going on at the moment.
He revealed that he is using the spare time to spend time with his family at home. He further said,” Obviously, extraordinary circumstances, but it’s quite lovely to spend some time at home, be with our little girl, and just be a dad for a bit. I’ve also been doing some Pilates with my Mrs, in my cricket gear.”
Butler further added,” “The calendar is always so busy, so you’re trying to find times when you can get a bit of a break, so I’m trying to use the time as a positive – although, of course, it’s miserable circumstances and very tough for everyone.
Ben Stokes Training For IPL
Meanwhile, his English and Rajasthan Royals teammate Ben Stokes also revealed that he is training, keeping in mind the IPL.
Though Stokes admits that there is only a faint chance of IPL happening, he wants his body to be ready if it does.
