Monty Panesar, a former England cricketer, thinks that the Indian Premier League (IPL) should be played behind closed doors. The tournament had to be postponed for an indefinite time due to a major coronavirus outbreak. Every other major cricket nation has stopped sports. As per Panesar, the IPL is expected to take place after the English cricket season.
Cricket is currently suspended in England until 1 August due to a pandemic. The T20 Blast of the inaugural Hundred had to be postponed as well. As per Panesar, the IPL should have the maximum coverage. When asked whether or not the event is to take place in front of empty stands, the retired spinner did not hesitate to agree.
Panesar says IPL must have the maximum coverage.
“I think it is. The Bundesliga has started, and if it goes well, the EPL will follow. It’s a chance for all countries to come together. This is going to be the discussion. It’s just about the schedule. If cricket starts in England – from July to September, I think we ‘re likely to have IPL after the English season is over, “Panesar said in an interview.
“One factor is scheduling. Second, how safe is it? If IPL played around September, we can see if the vaccine is available by then, and see how other leagues are doing. The IPL needs to have the maximum coverage, “he said.
Panesar also gave a few words of advice to Sourav Ganguly, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI). As per him, Dada, as Ganguly is popularly known, should focus on the safety of the players and the players involved in the tournament. A few weeks ago, Ganguly said there would be no cricket in the immediate future.
The German Bundesliga recently started behind closed doors, and Panesar said it could serve as a route plan for the leagues around the world. “If I was Sourav Ganguly, I’d ensure that safety is in place as well as the tournament gets maximum coverage. Bundesliga will be a prime example for leagues across the world, “added Panesar.
