Sunil Gavaskar Backs Playing Behind Closed Doors, Cites India Vs Pakistan Game As Example

The global outbreak of coronavirus which has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), has impacted sporting events across the globe. While many events have been either postponed or canceled, cricket has mainly decided to go ahead with matches behind closed doors. Speaking of the same, Sunil Gavaskar feels it is a good idea to conduct the game on empty stadiums.

When multiple sporting events around the globe have either been cancelled or postponed due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the big question on every Indian sports fans’ mind is will IPL 2020 happen at all? Sunil Gavaskar has put his weight firmly behind hosting the IPL within closed doors.

Let it be played indoors – Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar cited the example of an India-Pakistan Test match of Asian Test Championship being played in front of empty stands in February 1999 and said there is no harm to host the IPL behind closed doors.

“There is one example of an India-Pakistan match played in front of empty stands in Eden gardens Kolkata after Sachin (Tendulkar) got run out and there was unrest in the crowd. I think the game was stopped on that particular day but the next day it was continued in front of empty stands. So there is a precedent as far Indian cricket is concerned,” he said.

“So clearly if it has to happen then it can happen. Whatever it is the best for everyone that has to be taken into account. And if it’s best for everyone to play in front of empty stands, so be it,” said Gavaskar during the pre-match show in Star Sports ahead of India vs South Africa 1st ODI at Dharamsala.

Recently, the sports ministry has issued an advisory that in case it’s unavoidable to postpone a sporting event, then it is preferable that it be conducted without a large public gathering. The upcoming Two ODI games between India and South Africa will also be played behind closed doors.