Amidst the never ending haze persistent around the staging of both the Indian Premier League and the ICC T20 World Cup slated to be held in Australia later this year due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has begun working on a plan to hold the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. The flagship cash right T20 league is currently postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In an exclusive interaction with the Times of India, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that the Indian cricket board has decided to put its plan together to stage this year's IPL, irrespective of ICC's final decision on the fate of the Men's T20 World Cup, which is currently scheduled to take place in October-November this year.

Dhumal's remarks came following reports indicating that the the premier T20 multi-nation event would be postponed with an announcement likely in this week. Earlier today, Australian newspaper the Daily Telegraph reported that the decision to postpone the tournament will be announced on Friday this week.

Dhumal made it quite clear that the BCCI cannot wait for the decision from ICC to begin its plans for the IPL.

"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," said Dhumal.

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The BCCI treasurer backed his remarks by citing examples from the European football leagues and the NBA, stating that preference across different sporting disciplines has been given to local leagues all over the world, rather than the international tournaments.

"The NBA is beginning in the US in a protected zone. The English Premier League (EPL) is on and so are the FA Cup matches. Bundesliga was the first to show the way. Even Australia's domestic rugby league is about to begin. This is what is happening right now. What BCCI is talking about is making plans, even if at the contingency levels, for September onwards," said the BCCI treasurer.

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"So, what are we witnessing here? Domestic leagues are in focus while the Olympics and the World Cups are taking a backseat. That's because local leagues don't depend on too many external factors to get going.

"Revenues are more localised; gate receipts aren't such a huge concern and local leagues can be trimmed and planned to suit particular windows. They're also television friendly because they can be adjusted to primarily suit local prime time."