Exclusive: IPL 2020 in September-October, says GC chairman Brijesh Patel

By Aprameya C | First Published Jun 11, 2020, 4:45 PM IST

IPL Governing Council (GC) chairman Brijesh Patel told Asianet Newsable that IPL 2020 will be played in September-October this year

Bengaluru: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) in September-October, IPL Governing Council (GC) chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed on Thursday (June 11).

Speaking to Asianet Newsable, Patel said they have identified September-October window for IPL. He added that the BCCI is ready to play in empty stadiums as well.

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“We are looking at September-October window to host the IPL. However, it all depends on the ICC’s decision on the T20 World Cup in Australia,” Patel told Asianet Newsable.

Patel said the BCCI is keen to play the IPL this year as it is a major tournament. “Of course we would like to play the IPL this year. It is one of the major tournaments in the world,” the 67-year-old added.

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On queried about the possibility of playing IPL behind closed doors, former India batsman Patel said, “We are open to that. At the moment, football leagues are being played in empty stadiums. What I feel is you can’t play the World Cup in empty stadiums. So, World Cup is different, IPL is different. It makes sense to postpone the World Cup (instead of playing in empty stadiums).”

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to take a decision on the T20 World Cup 2020. It is scheduled to be played in Australia from October 18 to November 15.

Patel also said they will have to take the Union government’s permission for the IPL and will put in place all the safety measures as prescribed the Union health ministry.

“There are three more months to go (for the IPL window). Definitely, we have to take the government’s permission to organise the tournament. Hopefully things will improve by then. Also, we will take all the safety measures as per the health ministry,” he said.

Patel felt players will get used to the post-COVID-19 scenario with new guidelines put in place by the ICC. “This is only a temporary situation. Players are also keen to go out and play. At the moment, they are stuck in their houses. It is good to play and the cricketers are professionals. They will get used to it (new guidelines).”

Originally, IPL 2020 was scheduled to start on March 29. It was deferred till April 15 and later suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

ICC Board on Wednesday (June 10) agreed to continue exploring a number of contingency plans for T20 World Cup until next month.

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said, “The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision for the whole sport. The health and well-being of everyone involved is our priority and other considerations fall out from that.

“We will only get one chance to make this decision and it needs to be the right one and as such we will continue to consult with our Members, broadcasters, partners, governments and players and to ensure that we make a well informed decision.”

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