Inzamam-ul-Haq Urges ICC And Cricket Boards To Prioritise T20 World Cup Over 'Private League' IPL

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has opined that the T20 World Cup should be prioritised ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the bilateral series between India and Australia. The marquee event is scheduled to take place in October-November in Australia.

However, the chances of the tournament this year is looking absolutely bleak due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cricket Australia have already stated that the chances of hosting the tournament this year is unrealistic.

“While it hasn’t been formally called off this year, or postponed, trying to get 16 countries into Australia in the current world, where most countries are still going through COVID spiking, I think it’s unrealistic, or it’s going to be very, very difficult,” CA Chairman Earl Eddings told reporters.

Reports suggest that the BCCI is keen to use that window to host this year’s IPL which was postponed indefinitely in the wake of the outbreak. However, Inzamam-ul-Haq is of the opinion that the authorities should take all possible measures to ensure the tournament takes place this year.

“There are rumors’ that the World Cup was clashing with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Australia-India series therefore it is won’t take place,” Inzamam-ul-Haq was quoted as saying by Pakistani news outlet The Nation.

“I have also heard that objections are also raised on the dates of the Asia Cup as it is clashing with some other event.

“ICC, Asian Cricket Council and all cricket boards should sit together and give a strong message that any such kind of impression (giving priority to private leagues instead of international cricket), won’t take place,” he added.

He further said that giving importance to league cricket would divert the focus of players on private leagues, instead of international matches. The legendary batsman said that conducting the IPL instead of T20 World Cup would raise questions.

“These are the things that sources and internal people are talking about that it is decided the T20 World Cup won’t happen. Australia can say that it was difficult for it to manage 18 teams for the mega event as it is not easy.

“Indian board is strong and has control in the International Cricket Council (ICC). If Australia says that we cannot hold the World Cup because of the COVID-19 pandemic then their stance will be easily accepted but if any such kind event happens during the same time then questions will be raised,” he said. “ICC should not be allowed to give priority to private leagues.”

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