One COVID-19 positive case and IPL could be doomed: Ness Wadia

Ness Wadia, the co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), reckons that the franchises should be more concerned about the safety protocols in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the COVID-19 pandemic rather than the title sponsorship. Earlier, Wadia said that testing for the coronavirus should be done on a daily basis as a precautionary measure in the grave global pandemic.

The IPL was previously set to be played in India, but had to be moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the situation in India hasn’t shown signs of improvement. Wadia feels that one COVID-19 positive case could play spoilsport to the entire tournament.

“There is much speculation going on. I think it is ridiculous. The only thing we (team owners) know is that the IPL is happening. We are very concerned about the safety of the players and all others involved. Even if there is one case, the IPL could be doomed,” Wadia was quoted as saying on Hindustan Times after the owners’ meeting on Wednesday, August 5.

It will be the best ever IPL: Ness Wadia

“I don’t know what the BCCI has decided on title sponsorship. All the team owners had a productive meeting and are on the same page to make IPL a success. We need to support the BCCI and will be meeting again soon,” he stated. A couple of days ago, Chinese mobile brand VIVO decided to pull out as the title sponsors, leaving the BCCI in a bit of a fix.

Wadia believes that despite the travails regarding finding sponsorship, the upcoming edition of the IPL will be the “best ever”. “All the sponsors are going to negotiate hard but I will change by name if it is not the most watched IPL ever. It will be the best ever IPL. You mark my words. Sponsors would be foolish not to be part of IPL this year,” he added.

The tournament is scheduled to start on September 19 with the final to be played on November 10. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are the three venues, which will be playing hosts to the T20 event. For the time being, BCCI and the franchises are busy doing their homework.