TNPL 2020 set to be cancelled because of COVID-19 outbreak

The possibilities of commencement of the fifth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) have been ruled out after the Centre’s order of prohibiting sporting events in August. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association was hoping to reschedule the TNPL in August-September amid COVID-19 outbreak.

However, with a surge in coronavirus cases across the country, the resumption of sporting events still looks bleak. India has so far registered over 1.6 million positive cases with over 35,000 deaths. Tamil Nadu, so far, has also witnessed over 2.4 lakh cases and over 3800 deaths.

The TNPL this year was originally slated to take place between June 10 and July 12. But the tournament, like many other events, was postponed in the wake of COVID-19 debacle. The TNCA was hopeful of rescheduling it in the August-September window but the chances now look slim after the prohibition of sporting events in August.

With August out of the equation and the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) set to start in September, it looks like there’s no window for the TNPL to take place this year. Moreover, the domestic season is also scheduled to start after the completion of the IPL 2020.

We were hoping to get some relaxation after July: TNCA official

With many roadblocks, the TNPL is on the verge of cancellation this year. A formal announcement regarding the cancellation of the 2020 TNPL season is on the cards. A TNCA official also pointed out that the possibility of hosting the tournament this year has diminished amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were hoping to get some relaxation after July, but now that no sporting events are allowed for another month, the window seems to have closed,” said a senior TNCA official as quoted by The Hindu. “It is unfortunate, especially considering we now have floodlights ready at Salem and Coimbatore as well which takes the total number of grounds with lights to five in the State,” added the official.

The TNCA is also hoping that it can provide net practice facilities for state players at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium from next week, as national and international level athletes have been allowed to train in the state. The association is also vying to complete the remaining league matches in September, with two semi-finals and a final still being left to be hosted.