The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ‘s a new set of guidelines for phased reopening, or Unlock 1.0, on Saturday, gives the Indian Cricket Control Board hope they will host the Indian Premier League sometime this year.
The guidelines published pointed to the resumption in Phase 3 of international air travel, sporting activities, and large congregations based on situation assessment. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, depending on the evaluation of the situation, the corresponding restart dates for travel/social/political / sports/entertainment / academic/cultural/religious functions, and large congregations will be determined.
BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal tells the Hindustan Times the resuming of the league will be favorable if international travel and sports activities are allowed.
BCCI CEO Rahul Johri had suggested earlier that the IPL could be played sometime after the monsoon ends, saying it was an essential part of the calendar. The tournament’s fate will rely on the ICC decision on the T20 World Cup, which is currently scheduled in Australia for October-November this year. The ICC is set to make a statement on the tournament on June 10, with Australia saying they’re not in a position to do it.
Meanwhile, the board might also recommend a national camp after months of inaction to ensure players get back to their fitness and skill-based routine.
BBCI will again have to wait for things to normalize to bring a pool of players together for a session. For the time being, what the league will have is individual players employed in facilities in their respective cities, on the advice of state governments.
