BCCI Eyes World T20 Slot For IPL, Almost Sure World Cup Won't Happen

BCCI is looking to tap in that window of the World Cup, which also includes the warm-up games window and the immediately preceding week to slot in a 4-week IPL, with more doubleheaders

Photo: AFP

New Delhi: The IPL Governing Council is all but sure to indefinitely postpone this season's IPL that was initially rescheduled to start from April 15 but are definitely sure that they will indeed get a window very soon to host the IPL in its normal manner -- each team playing against each other twice. With the international season still in limbo and most countries still on lockdown mode, the ICC may be forced to take a call by June on postponing the T20 World Cup scheduled for October in Australia. This decision may also be taken with respect to the economic impact on Australia and their ability to give tax exemptions to the ICC apart from sponsors showing immediate concern to pump in money. BCCI is looking to tap in that window of the World Cup, which also includes the warm-up games window and the immediately preceding week to slot in a 4-week IPL, with more doubleheaders. In the unlikely event of the World Cup happening as per schedule, the BCCI will look to squeeze the IPL by rescheduling a couple of bilateral series. An early start to 2020-21 season? In the meanwhile, the BCCI is also looking at ways and means to reschedule their domestic calendar and start the next season much early and making use of venues that will not be affected largely by rain during monsoon. Instead of the season starting by September end, this year the season may start at the start of June or July to compensate for the viability of an IPL in September October. Keeping in mind the uncertain times and conditions, the BCCI may also look to trim the heavily crowded domestic calendar and leave out zonal tournaments along with a few junior tournaments.