Is there a realistic chance of rescheduling IPL 2021? Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale comments

By Ayush Gupta | First Published May 14, 2021, 11:38 AM IST

The Indian Premier League 2021 stands postponed owing to the various COVID bubble breaches that saw quite a few participating members in the tournament getting infected. With the crunch schedule ahead, will rescheduling the competition be possible?

In an unfortunate twist of an incident in Indian cricket, the much-hyped 2021 Indian Premier League came to a regrettable halt after there were numerous COVID bubble breaches, while a few of the participating members tested positive. The players have gone back to their respective homes, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India prioritising player safety.

As the cricketing community wishes the same, everyone is wondering when would the tournament restart and what are the chances of it being held in India. Speaking on the same topic, Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale has stated that while the situation is being worked upon, with the crunch international cricketing calendar ahead, it would be highly challenging to reschedule IPL 2021.

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"I think the challenge is just finding space and calendar. The players are already playing too much cricket. The calendars are incredibly packed, and particularly this year after COVID, Boards from around the world and trying to get as many competitions and as many Test matches in as possible," he said during RR's virtual press meet on Thursday.

Also, on being questioned if there is a chance for the IPL 2021 remainder to be played outside India, either of the United Arab Emirates, England or Sri Lanka, Badale asserted that it would also be a hard challenge for the BCCI. "I think it's going to be a real challenge. There's a possibility. I think it's a slight possibility of something in September in the UK or possibly something in the Middle East, either side of the T20 World Cup, but I think it's it's going to be a real challenge," he reckoned.

Meanwhile, RR's Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, also braced the press meet and was all-praise for the side's young pace-bowling sensation Chetan Sakariya. The 23-year-old was sensational, claiming seven from seven at an economy of 8.22.

ALSO READ: IPL 2021- Will Ben Stokes be available for Rajasthan Royals upon tournament resumption?

"Chetan Sakariya was a revelation. His attitude and ability to build pressure and of course his skill. It's wonderful to have him in the side. He's had a tough year since January so far and our love and prayers are with him," recorded Sanga.

"For, us Riyan Parag is a very, very special player. I think he's got a huge amount to contribute to not just Royals, but also to Indian cricket in future very special talent that needs care, nurturing and development," he added.

Meanwhile, RR's English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler was also present in the event. He hailed Sanju Samson'scaptaincy skills and revealed that it had been a great learning experience from him so far, especially following the exquisite century he hit this season.

"It was a great learning experience for him. And I think, as the tournament was going along, at the halfway stage, he was really growing into the role, looking to put together some better, more consistent performances towards the end of the season as a side," he asserted.

"I've really enjoyed playing under Sanju's captaincy. I don't think it changed him at all as a person. He's quite a free-spirited, very relaxed kind of guy and he tried to get that across to the team, and that's how he wanted us to play as a side. It is really important as a leader to be authentic, and I think Sanju is very much that," he concluded.

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