BCCI to move ahead with IPL 2020 planning

While the International Cricket Council (ICC) ponders over the issue of hosting the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shall not wait. The governing body is aiming to move ahead with its planning for the IPL which was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said, “The year started on a horrible note and there’s been no relief on any front. But as time goes by, we need to take things head-on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead.”

Dhumal went on to cite various sporting examples from around the world. He mentioned that basketball, football and rugby leagues are on their way of resumption in a secure environment. International cricket is also set to resume from 8th July in England with the home team playing a three-match Test series. The BCCI is also looking forward to restarting domestic cricket.

“Domestic leagues are in focus while the Olympics and the World Cups are taking a back seat. That’s because local leagues don’t depend on too many external factors,” Dhumal added.

The BCCI is looking at the late September-October-November window for staging the IPL. With India’s coronavirus case count rising on a daily basis, it is likely that the tournament will be played outside India. However, such details are yet to be planned.