The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has stopped all the sporting events including the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to postpone the league until April 15 due to the lockdown which was scheduled to commence from March 29.
Meanwhile, with no signs of improvement, the fate of IPL 2020 looks in jeopardy. The governing body is pondering over many options before making the final call. From calling off the tournament to holding a shortened IPL later some point in the year, many reports have emerged. But BCCI has kept mum and a decision only after the lockdown gets over on April 14 can be expected.
Amid all the speculations, veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has said that he doesn’t mind IPL games being played behind closed doors if the BCCI decides to move ahead with the tournament. However, he also informed that the security and safety of the stakeholders are very important.
“Spectators are important, but if the situation arises, I don’t mind playing without them. Yes, as a player I won’t get the vibe, but this will ensure that every fan will get to watch IPL on their TV,” Harbhajan Singh told Star Sports.
“We will have to be cautious about everything and should prioritise players’ safety by ensuring that the match venues, team hotels, flights are properly sanitized. A lot of lives are on line so we should organise IPL when everything is fine,” he added.
Furthermore, Harbhajan Singh admitted that he misses the matches the most. He has been a regular feature for the Chennai Super Kings after shifting base from Mumbai. The cricketer from Punjab; however, is keeping himself ready for the tournament.
“I miss our visits to the ground, the hordes of fans waiting to greet us, the bikes that used to ride along our bus and am sure that every fan is missing this as well. I hope that IPL happens soon, till then I will keep myself fit,” Harbhajan concluded.
