IPL 2020: Franchises Prepare For Call-Off As Coronavirus Pandemic Worsens

With the coronavirus pandemic showing little signs of improvement, things look very gloomy for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). The thirteenth edition of the league was set to get underway on March 29 in Mumbai. But in the wake of the outbreak, the BCCI suspended the league till April 15 as a precautionary measure.

According to reports, the IPL franchises are now looking to work overtime with the BCCI to find ways to make the 13th edition of the IPL a reality – even when the coronavirus outbreak has brought life to a standstill. But at the same time, all the IPL franchises are subconsciously ready to see the league get cancelled this season.

As per news agency IANS, an official of one of the franchises said that the owners will have a conference call at 6 pm on Monday, but things are getting a little dangerous as far as the pandemic is concerned. And thus all the parties know that the cancellation of the league is a big possibility.

“We are having a conference call today in the evening and we will discuss the situation, but just look around. Schools, colleges, malls, theaters have all been closed. In fact, even gyms have closed now after the fresh directive from the health department. So, in such a scenario, it is only obvious that we might get to a situation where the league may have to be called off for a season,” the official was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

Another official said that it was unanimously decided in the meeting with BCCI that safety is a priority and the board and the franchises are on the same page. Consequently, neither of the two parties will hesitate to cancel the league if such a need arises in the coming days.

“See, we will be having basic loses of around Rs 15-20 crore which comes with paying salaries and other things that come with the successful organization of the league. But there are other loses as well like those that come from merchandise sales etc. While tickets and all are insured, these are loses which the franchises will have to bear if the tournament doesn’t happen. But then, we all realise that nothing beats human safety,” the official said.

At present, almost every major cricket event around the world has been cancelled. Barring PSL which has been cut short by Pakistan Cricket Board, almost all the major international and domestic series have been called off. As of now, there is absolutely no clarity over when will things improve.

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