Anil Kumble Hopeful Of The 13th Season Of IPL Taking Place This Year

The BCCI has left no stone unturned to hold the 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year itself. The COVID-19 crisis forced the Indian board to postpone the lucrative league indefinitely. Yet, considering the number of losses they would incur, they haven’t left hope. ICC Cricket Committee’s chairman Anil Kumble has also shown optimism about it to.

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Initially, the IPL’s scheduled start date was the 29th of March. The BCCI postponed it to the 15th of April, hoping that the COVID-19 situation in the country eases. However, due to the increasing number of cases, the association had no choice but to defer it indefinitely. Nevertheless, the potential postponement of the 2020 T20 World Cup might give them a window of having it.

Yes, we are hopeful and optimistic: Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble believes that they still have the possibility of holding the tournament, but there will follow some changes. The 49-year old said that if the competition goes ahead, it has to be in a stadium without spectators and having 3-4 venues. Over the past few days, India has witnessed a sharp rise in cases, recording at least 5000 incidents each day.

“Yes we are hopeful and optimistic that there’s still a possibility if we can cram in the schedule. If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have 3 or 4 venues; there’s still a possibility, we are all optimistic.” Anil Kumble said as quoted by Times Now.

VVS Laxman feels travelling would be challenging if IPL takes place this year:

Former Indian Test batsman VVS Laxman also supports the idea of holding the tournament as per conditions mentioned above. However, he has suggested keeping only one venue, which has multiple grounds since travelling can be precarious. Laxman is confident that BCCI and franchises would consider all of these before taking the final call.

“Absolutely, and also make sure that all the stakeholders have a say. Anil (Kumble) mentioned that you can have two or four venues, I still feel that you should identify one venue, which probably has 3 or 4 grounds; if at all you find that kind of a venue because travel is again going to be quite challenging. You don’t know who’s going to be where at the airports, so that I’m sure the franchises and the BCCI will be looking into.” Laxman stated.

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