IPL Should Kick-Start The Cricket Season Post COVID-19: VVS Laxman

The 13th edition of the IPL has been postponed for an indefinite period of time. The world of sports has come to a screeching halt thanks to the onslaught of the novel pandemic that is the coronavirus (COVID-19). From La Liga, Wimbledon to Olympics and Premier League, every major sporting event has been put on a back burner with the world currently in isolation.

The 13th edition of the cash-rich league was originally scheduled to take place from March 29th but with the Indian government putting stringent restrictions of the issuance of visa, the tournament was postponed till April 15.
But with the situation not really improving and India currently under the second phase of lockdown, the tournament has been postponed for an indefinite period.

Former Indian cricketer and the mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad VVS Laxman is of the view that once the world returns to normalcy, cricket should resume with the Indian Premier League, serving as a precursor to the T20 World Cup in Australia.

“I think some of the cricket boards will be encouraging the fact that IPL is a big tournament, and everyone acknowledges that,” VVS Laxman told Star Sports.

He added: “And just before the World Cup it will set the tone for a hectic cricket season. But I just hope that everything is normal, and no one is in danger. And once that happens, I am sure the IPL should kick off the cricket calendar.”

Also Read: Speculation About IPL 2020 Future Premature: BCCI Treasurer

Will Asia Cup make way for IPL 2020?

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ehsan Mani recently responded to the speculations that have been doing the rounds that Asia Cup T20 may well scrap to make way for the IPL.

Mani said that the PCB, who is the host of the next edition will not agree to such a move as it will be detrimental to the growth of the other Asian countries.

“It is important to have the Asia Cup if cricket activities resume by then because the development of Asian cricket depends on funding from the tournament. It is important for many countries who are members of the Asian Cricket Council,” Ehsan Mani had said.

Nonetheless, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal have also rubbished such speculations, saying that it’s ‘too premature’ to talk about the window, considering the current situation of COVID-19.

Also Read: Shane Watson Hopes For IPL 2020 To Go Ahead This Year, Reckons It As His Last IPL With CSK