The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at all the possible options including playing in empty stadiums to host IPL 2020, said President Sourav Ganguly. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes it is great news for the fans as everyone is awaiting IPL 2020 to kick off.
Meanwhile, the 13th season of the T20 blitz was scheduled to commence from March 29. However, BCCI had to postpone it to April 14 after the first lockdown. And with no signs of improvement and the lockdown extended, the Sourav Ganguly-led panel had to defer the tournament for an indefinite period.
Sourav Ganguly hopeful about IPL 2020 is welcoming: Irfan Pathan
However, the organising body is keen to host the tournament as some point later this year. With Cricket Australia saying hosting ICC T20 World Cup 2020 an unrealistic dream, the future of IPL 2020 looks bright. Moreover, media reports speculate that the tournament might commence from September 26. Speaking on the same lines, Irfan Pathan believes the global event looks unlikely which opens the door for IPL.
“I just read the statement yesterday that they are trying their best to have an IPL. Everybody is looking forward to that stage. A lot of people are talking about the World Cup happening in Australia, I have my doubts because, in Australia, I have been there. These guys in Australia follow their rules very particularly. Even if it’s the smallest rule, they go by the norm,” Pathan said on Star Sports Cricket Connected.
Speaking further, Irfan Pathan stated that BCCI President Sourav Ganguly hopeful about the tournament is great news for the cricketers and the fans. Meanwhile, BCCI is also planning to take the tournament overseas if India fail to host IPL 2020.
“In that regard, the statement coming from Sourav Ganguly as the president of BCCI that the IPL will happen at some stage, that’s great news not only for Indian cricketers but for all cricketers around the world as well. I’m looking forward to it as well. That does give a lot of reassurance to all the cricketers,” he added.
