Reports: Stakeholders put BCCI under pressure to hold India’s series against South Africa before IPL 2020

Back in March, the Indian Premier League (IPL) had to be postponed for an indefinite time period, after initially being scheduled for a start on March 29. The lockdowns due to the COVID-19 phase meant that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to take the call. Cricket in India came to a halt when the three-match ODI series against South Africa had to be shelved.

The opening game in Dharamsala was washed off due to rain after which the second and third ODI couldn’t take place. In the meantime, the road to the 2020 edition of the IPL is becoming more and more clear. Earlier this month, the Asia Cup, which was scheduled to start in September had to be postponed. A couple of days ago, the ICC also postponed the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Challenging times await the BCCI

Hence with the major events being deferred, there are chance of the IPL taking place this year. Meanwhile, as per reports in Bangalore Mirror it’s been learned that the BCCI stakeholders are putting pressure on the board to hold India’s series against South Africa before the IPL starts. “We will discuss everything at the GC (Governing Council),” IPL chairman Brijesh Patel said.

India last played international cricket during the tour of Now Zealand back in February. Even as they whitewashed the T20I series 5-0, the Kiwis won the ODI and Test series. India are also set to play a bilateral series versus England, but conformation on the series is yet to come.

Virat Kohli and Co are also scheduled to tour Australia later this year for a T20I and Test series. Since the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Indian cricketers have been spending most of their times at their residence. After a significant break, the players have returned for practice.

In the coming weeks, the BCCI-contracted players are set to regroup at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad for a national camp. There they will undergo a rigorous training session to gain back their momentum. The cricketers will be raring to be together and get themselves back in shape before cricketing assignments start in full flow.