"It Will Be Strange": Rohit Sharma In Favour Of Playing IPL 2020 Behind Closed Doors

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been postponed indefinitely by the cricket board as they proceed with their ‘wait and watch’ policy due to the novel coronavirus pandemic situation. The IPL 2020 was originally slated to get underway from March 29, but due to unfavourable situation it was deferred to April 15. Later, with the 21-day lockdown being extended, the board decided to postpone it indefinitely.

The cricket board has also kept an open slot for June-July for the tournament to be played behind closed doors. The most successful captain in the IPL, Rohit Sharma, has come out in favour of the idea and voiced his opinion at the Indian Today E-Conclave 2020.

Rohit Sharma: We started playing with nobody watching

The novel coronavirus pandemic situation has shifted focus to life and well being of people ahead of cricket. Rohit Sharma, who has led Mumbai Indians to four IPL triumphs, said he hopes everyone is following the guidelines in this devastating times. He also added, it is important, so that everyone can step out and start to do what they love eventually.

“I hope everybody is safe and following guidelines so that eventually we can step out and start doing what we love to do,” Rohit Sharma said.

Speaking about the closed door IPL, Rohit Sharma said although it would be a bit strange, it is exactly how everyone started playing cricket with nobody watching. Sharma was also of the opinion that nobody had the luxury of playing cricket in big stadiums and cricket will return there for sometime now.

“It will be a little strange to play in the empty stadiums. I don’t know how the fans will take it. As a kid I have to go back a long way and think how I started playing cricket with nobody watching me. We didn’t have the luxury of playing in these luxurious stadiums, I think life will go back to that. Whatever rules the board comes up with, we need to follow that and try and play some sort of cricket. People will be able to watch us on television. At least, there is something to look forward to,” said Rohit.

Australia coach Justin Langer had also earlier echoed similar sentiments about playing cricket behind closed doors. However, for the season to resume, it all depends on the situation to get back to normal at the moment.