For organizing the 13th edition of IPL, which was postponed indefinitely early, the BCCI is looking at this year’s September-October window. The league’s governing council chairman, Brijesh Patel said that whether BCCI is looking at the September-October window, but it totally depends upon the fate of the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup, which were prescheduled to be held in September and October-November window.
Black clouds are surrounding over the most crucial this years’ two tournaments, but till now, the Asian Cricket Council is hopeful to host this year’s Asia Cup in the month of September. The ICC has accepted a wait-and-watch strategy to take a decision on the T20 World Cup, the tournament to be held in Australia.
Brijesh Patel said “Yes, now we are looking at the September-October windows, but all the final decision depends upon the fate of the Asia Cup as well as T20 World Cup. Considering all those we are planning a window for IPL.”
This week, BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly had also e-mailed to the state associations that he was positive about organizing the IPL. If required, it will be hosted in empty stadiums.
Brijesh Patel said “ Again, all it depends upon the circumstance in September-October. We have to obey government regulations and directives. At first, we require permission from the government. You can’t organize a World Cup without the audience. But IPL is a league, it can be played without spectators. The official broadcasting partners have also no problem with this as well as are the cricketers because they want to play IPL.”
Also, he added “The governing council was considering the September-October window because from the situations, it can be expected that T20 World Cup can’t proceed. And the organizers can’t be delayed for the last moment. If they are going ahead with this, then all the countries have to prepare themselves for it. Otherwise, all the other plans have to be taken place. The organizers have to decide in a limited time.
“If the World Cup can’t take place, every board will have to think of for the utilization of that period with the consultation with the respective governments.”
