The global pandemic - coronavirus outbreak has brought the world into a standstill where all sporting events across the globe have either been suspended or cancelled. Even the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is no less as it is also uncertain as India are under a 21-day lockdown. However, the IPL franchises have decided to have their next meeting only after the government comes up with a fresh advisory on April 14.
While speaking to IANS, an official of one of the franchises said that it wouldn’t make any sense to have meetings when the league is uncertain, citing that there will be a clarity once the lockdown ends and a fresh advisory is issued about the league.
"We last met the BCCI officials at the HQ and after that the next meeting was called off as it was clear that a clarity from the government on the situation with regards to the pandemic is a must. Now that our 21-day lockdown comes to an end on April 14, we will get clarity on how things stand and if we will need any further steps in that direction to fight COVID-19. Once that clarity is got, we can all sit down and chalk out the road ahead. The owners will meet only after the fresh advisory comes," the official said.
Moreover, IPL without foreign players was also an option as the lockdown is going on around the world but many opposes since it will decrease the interest as well.
"Why do you think the October-November window is being looked at? It is because we want a full IPL with the foreign stars. Even if the international border lockdown stays for six months, the foreign players would be free to come down by then. Yes, every franchise is free to voice their opinion, but let me tell you that would be the last option as a lot of the grandeur that comes with the IPL will then be lost," the official said.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma among others said that as of now IPL is not a priority. It can be played later. To combat the novel coronavirus should be the priority now for everyone.
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