BCCI hoping the postponement of T20 World Cup on July 20 for IPL 2020 to go ahead

The coronavirus pandemic has been wreaking havoc across the globe since a few months now. The COVID-19 cases in India are also increasing with each passing day and the country has now crossed the 10 lakh mark. More than 26,000 deaths have also occurred so far, creating a stern atmosphere across the nation.

Amid the adversity, the resumption of sporting scenario in India is also slim at the moment. The much-awaited IPL 2020, which was going to start from March 29, was also postponed indefinitely in the wake of the pandemic. However, to escape from massive losses, the BCCI is trying its best to host the league in the latter stage of the year.

Several reports have suggested that the IPL is most probably going to be shifted to the UAE at the end of September, subject to the clearance from central government. However, for the IPL to go ahead, the BCCI is eagerly waiting for the ICC’s decision to postpone the T20 World Cup 2020.

Australia said they are not too keen on hosting the event: BCCI

The showpiece event is slated to be held from October 18 to November 15 in Australia but the country’s cricket board has termed the idea of hosting the event ‘unrealistic’. BCCI is hoping for the T20 extravaganza to get postponed when the ICC meets virtually on Monday. The postponement of the T20 World Cup will ensure that the IPL gets a green signal.

“The first step was the postponement of the Asia Cup, which has happened. We can only start to move ahead with our plans after the ICC announces the postponement. They have been sitting on the decision even after Cricket Australia said that they are not too keen on hosting the event,” a BCCI Apex Council member said as quoted by India Today.

The T20 World Cup 2020 is likely to be shifted to 2022 as India doesn’t want to swap its 2021 hosting rights with Cricket Australia as of now. Australia’s reluctance in hosting the mega-event this year was evident when the CA told its players to prepare for a white-ball series against England, slated to take place in late September. The Australian board has even announced a 26-strong preliminary squad for that tour.