In the amid of a global pandemic, BCCI has suspended IPL 2020 for an indefinite time. However, as 4,000 crores are currently on the table, they have not lost their hopes to organize this cricketing extravaganza. There are reports that the much-awaited T20 tournament might be held behind closed doors in the latter part of the year.
The fans won’t be able to watch the games live from the ground. Hence, KKR ‘s CEO, Venky Mysore, has come out with a unique idea and said that if not physically, fans can be present digitally on the field.
Spectators viewed as the center of every sport, and they have to inspire a player to do well on the field. And, in the absence of fans, playing at such a major tournament would be a new experience for the teams. The same applies to the ardent cricket followers as they are not allowed to enter the stadiums and watch their favorite players playing in the cash-rich league.
KKR CEO feels franchises will have to face some challenges
In an interview, KKR ‘s CEO Venky Mysore suggested a unique concept that holds all of the above circumstances in mind. He said that if IPL gets a go-ahead in the latter part of the year, the franchises will inevitably face a lot of challenges. As per him, it is reported that it will be played behind closed doors if the tournament takes place.
He thinks it would impact directly on BCCI’s different sources of revenue as well as franchises. And, he recited that the sponsors and franchisees need to step out of the box now.
“We’re certainly going to have some challenges. If we’re lucky enough that things will calm down or the tournament will take place later this year, it’s going to be in what they’ll call the stadium lockdown stage. This immediately affects ticket income, your food, and your drink income. The sales of goods at the stadium are affected..”
“The challenge to us is how do you activate the sponsors? Can you compensate for this, are there anyways? Technology will have a huge role to play. I say only when you think out of the box — an LED wall at stands, [fans] can almost be there via social media. Some people can respond in the same manner if they are on the ground physically something about simulation too” said Mysore in an interview.
