IPL Not Possible Anytime Soon This Year Due To Travel Restrictions: BCCI

“The IPL at the moment is not possible because travel restrictions are still there. So, how can you have the IPL without any travel happening? We are studying these guidelines and will study state governments’ guidelines also. Accordingly, we will plan,” Dhumal said.

No plans for IPL this year: BCCI (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: India has entered the fourth phase of lockdown and MHA gave a green signal for opening up of sports complexes and stadiums. This led to a lot speculations that the Indian Premier League would be played in the coming months. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not have any plans to organize the Indian Premier League anytime soon. In a report in the Indian Express, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal says that the board has no plans of holding the cash-rich league at the moment since there are restrictions on international and domestic travel.

 “The IPL at the moment is not possible because travel restrictions are still there. So, how can you have the IPL without any travel happening? We are studying these guidelines and will study state governments’ guidelines also. Accordingly, we will plan,” Dhumal said.

Talking about the opening up of stadiums he said that this is just for regular practice. “At a local level, cricketers can go to stadiums and resume outdoor training. But the entire team cannot get together because players are scattered,” Dhumal said.

The tournament was expected to begin from March 29 but it was indefinitely postponed. There are reports emerging that the IPL can take October-November window of the T20 World Cup, which could be deferred. The final call could be taken on the T20 World Cup in the ICC Board Meeting on May 28.