'I hope India does not incur this loss' - Shoaib Akhtar opens up on the prospect of IPL 2020 getting cancelled

The ongoing situation surrounding the pandemic that is the novel Coronavirus- COVID-19- has proceeded to put the entire world in a lockdown. And, the sporting world has been one of the affected areas with almost every major tournament including Premier League, La Liga and NBA have all been called-off.

On the cricketing front, apart from all the International and domestic tournaments getting cancelled, the Indian Premier League has also found itself in jeopardy. The BCCI have postponed the start of the 13th edition till April 15th, and if the tournament does go ahead, it will be a truncated one.

If the IPL is indeed cancelled, the BCCI may incur a loss of close to 10,000 crores. Former Pakistan cricket Shoaib Akhtar took to his YouTube channel where he said that he hopes that India does not incur this loss.

“I hope India does not incur this loss and I hope they prosper, but it is all happening which is unfortunate,” Akhtar said.

India is a great place, says Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar, who has previously worked in India as a commentator, hailed the country for its hospitality and diversity besides making a bold claim that ‘India is dying to work with Pakistan’

“India is a great place, the people are amazing. Never did I feel that they want any animosity or any type of war with Pakistan. But, when I went to their TVs etc. it feels as if war will happen tomorrow. I have travelled extensively across India, have seen the country very closely, I can say today, India is dying to work with Pakistan. India’s path of progress goes through Pakistan, I am convinced,” Akhtar said.

Meanwhile, Akhtar had previously lambasted china for the outbreak of the Coronavirus which has gripped the entire world, besides having a significant impact on the sporting calendar.

“The biggest reason for anger is PSL… Cricket returned to Pakistan after so many years, the PSL was happening in our country for the first time now even that is at risk. The foreign players are leaving, it will take place behind closed doors,” said Akhtar on his Youtube channel.

Here’s the video: