'Strictly no' - Joginder Sharma feels IPL 2020 shouldn't happen until Coronavirus is cleared

The 13th edition Indian Premier League (IPL) should’ve started by now. But the Coronavirus pandemic has not only deferred its start but it has also led to cancellation and postponement of other sporting events. Moreover, the deadly virus also ended India’s domestic and international season early. The BCCI, meanwhile, is yet to take a call on organising the IPL this year, the chances of which look extremely bleak as of now.

However, India’s T20 World Cup 2007 star Joginder Sharma feels that the IPL shouldn’t happen until the Coronavirus crisis in the country ends. Sharma who is still remembered for dismissing Misbah-ul-Haq in the final is currently the deputy superintendent in Haryana Police. He is posted in Hisar and is working hard for the well being of the public in the district.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Joginder Sharma cleared that organising the IPL would put a lot of lives in danger. The 36-year-old also cited that the league shouldn’t go ahead even if all the players do not participate as including the support staff, a lot of people would be travelling together in that case.

IPL can happen once everything is back to normal: Joginder Sharma

“Until the coronavirus is cleared, it should not happen. Once everything is back to normal, it should definitely happen. If the IPL happens now, it would be a big danger because crowds will come to watch. Even if you restrict it to players, each team will have a minimum of about 15 players. There are team meetings, there is support staff, so about 30-40 people travel with each team. So it should not happen now. Strictly no,” he said.

Earlier, Joginder Sharma had expressed that his current job of contributing to the nation during these crisis times is more important than winning the T20 World Cup for India. He was thankful that he is at the forefront in this fight against the Coronavirus.

“Obviously, this contribution is much bigger because people are losing their lives. It was also a big thing, winning the World Cup for India, but here we have to save the nation. And even if I am playing a small part in this, then it is huge,” Sharma had said.