It is now time for the BCCI to start planning for the return of the Indian Premier League, says Arun Dhumal.
The BCCI treasurer doesn’t want to wait around for an announcement from the ICC about a possible postponement of the T20 World Cup. Instead, he thinks forging ahead with their own plans is the best course of action to ensure they are ready.
Any postponement of the T20 World Cup in Australia would hand the IPL a window to hold the tournament in October and November in its place.
However, nothing has been confirmed despite it looking more and more unlikely that Australia will host the event this year given the coronavirus pandemic.
“The year started on a horrible note and there’s been no relief on any front,” he said in an interview with the Times of India.
“But as time goes by, we need to take things head-on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead.
“The NBA is beginning in the US in a protected zone. The English Premier League is on and so are the FA Cup matches. Bundesliga was the first to show the way,” he said.
“Even Australia’s domestic rugby league is about to begin. This is what is happening right now. What BCCI is talking about is making plans, even if at the contingency levels, for September onward,” he added.
IPL plans can start taking shape
Dhumal thinks there is no need to wait for an official announcement on the T20 World Cup.
“So, what are we witnessing here? Domestic leagues are in focus while the Olympics and the World Cups are taking a backseat,” he added.
“That’s because local leagues don’t depend on too many external factors to get going. Revenues are more localised; gate receipts aren’t such a huge concern and local leagues can be trimmed and planned to suit particular windows.
“They’re also television-friendly because they can be adjusted to primarily suit local prime time.
“Those announcements and outcomes are not in our hands. The T20 World Cup, for instance, is being postponed so let the announcement come when it has to,” he added.
