Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) head coach Anil Kumble and former India cricketer VVS Laxman is optimistic about the future of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Despite postponing the tournament, the Board of Contol for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to call it 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.
Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman optimistic about IPL 2020
BCCI looks forward to the ICC meeting scheduled later today which will decide the future of the ICC T20 World Cup. Possibly, they are aiming at the October-November window, originally kept for the global event. Cricket Australia has already intimated that they will not be able to host the World Cup this time resulting the apex body will push it in 2022.
Speaking on the same lines, Anil Kumble is hopeful with the future of IPL 2020. He is also not averse to the idea of conducting the cash-rich event without spectators due to the COVID-19 threat. The former India head coach also floated the idea of shortening the IPL.
“Yes we are hopeful and optimistic that there is still a possibility (to hold IPL this year) if we can cram in the schedule,” Kumble said to Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’.
“If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have 3 or 4 venues; there’s still a possibility, we are all optimistic,” he added.
Furthermore, VVS Laxman advised the stakeholders can host IPL 2020 in cities which have multiple stadiums. The former cricketer, associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad, feels this will reduce the travelling part keeping the cricketers fresh for the games.
“Absolutely (there is a chance to hold IPL this year), and also make sure that all the stakeholders have a say,” he said.”…you should identify one venue, which probably has 3 or 4 grounds; if at all you find that kind of a venue because travel is again going to be quite challenging,” Laxman said.
