Ness Wadia Reckons IPL 13 Will Be The 'Most Watched' Event Ever But Cautions That One Covid Positive Case Could Jeopardize The Tournament

Ness Wadia, the co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, feels that the upcoming season of the IPL will be best ever but he is also skeptical about the fact that one Covid positive case could ruin the whole tournament.

The 13th edition of the IPL will take place in the United Arab Emirates between September 19-November 10. In order to ensure that the tournament takes place safely, the BCCI has laid out protocols that will have to be followed by everyone from the time they board the flight to the Emirates till the time the last ball of the season is delivered.

Every player and support-staff will be tested twice within 24 hours before they board their flight to the UAE. Post their entry in the Emirates, everyone will undergo three more tests within a six-day period, following which they will be allowed to enter the bio-secure bubble. All the players and support staff will undergo the Covid test after every five days.

”There is much speculation going on. I think it is ridiculous. The only thing we (team owners) know is that the IPL is happening. We are very concerned about the safety of the players and all others involved. Even if there is one case, the IPL could be doomed,” Ness Wadia told PTI.

‘I will change my name if its not the most-watched event ever’- Ness Wadia on IPL 13

Ness Wadia also talked about the recent developments that emerged that title sponsor Vivo has pulled out for this season. While the BCCI is yet to confirm, it looks highly likely that the title sponsor will pull out in the wake of political tensions between Delhi and Beijing.

“I don’t know what the BCCI has decided on title sponsorship. All the team owners had a productive meeting and are on the same page to make IPL a success. We need to support the BCCI and will be meeting again soon,” he said.

Irrespective of what the future of Vivo holds, Nadia, who had called for the gradual boycott of Chinese companies from the IPL, post the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June, feels that the tournament, which according to him will be the ‘most-watched’ event ever, will have no issues in finding a new sponsor.

“All the sponsors are going to negotiate hard but I will change my name if it is not the most-watched IPL ever. It will be the best ever IPL. You mark my words. Sponsors would be foolish not to be part of IPL this year.”It would be a wrong commercial decision on their part to not be a part of the IPL. I truly believe that if I was a sponsor, I would jump right in.” Wadia added.

Also Read- IPL 13 SOP’s- All You Need To Know