If the IPL happens instead of the T20 World Cup, questions will be raised: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan cricketer, reckons that international cricket should always get more priority that T20 leagues. The coronavirus pandemic has put to doubts a number of tournaments. The Indian Premier League (IPL) had to be postponed and the BCCI is looking for an appropriate window. The Indian board is also looking for the ICC to take a call on the T20 World Cup.

Inzamam, also a former national selector, didn’t mince any words in saying that the T20 WC not taking place could open the doors for the IPL. It’s because the veteran feels that the BCCI has “control in the ICC”. However, he also said that questions will be raised in case the IPL happens and the T20 WC doesn’t.

BCCI’s stance for IPL will be accepted if T20 WC doesn’t happen, says Inzamam-ul-Haq

“There are rumors’ that the T20 World Cup will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Australia-India series therefore it won’t take place. Indian board is strong and has control in the ICC. If Australia says that we cannot hold the World Cup because of the COVID-19 pandemic then their stance will be easily accepted,” Inzamam told on his YouTube channel.

“However, if a private league happens during the same time then questions will be raised. If Indian board can manage an eight-team tournament then why can’t Cricket Australia hold a similar event?” he stated.

Inzamam fears that if the who’s who of cricket focuses on T20 leagues, then the youngsters will be attracted more towards them. Moreover, he expressed concerns over the Asia Cup in September to take place. He also urged the ICC and the other cricket boards to send a strong message of prioritising international games over any other fixtures.

“Priority should be to international cricket instead of T20 leagues. Otherwise it will lead to young players focusing on private leagues other than international matches. I have also heard that objections are also being raised on the dates of the Asia Cup as it is clashing with some other event,” Inzamam added.

In the meantime, the PCB is also looking to host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in November. The tournament came to a halt back in March before the semi-finals.