IF VIRUS CONTINUES, BETTER TO CALL OFF IPL

With BCCI postponing IPL 2020 by a couple of weeks owing to COVID-19 fears, and more changes likely to be announced — like playing without spectators, chances of foreign players not participating — will IPL lose it’s sheen this year?

Even as cricket fans worried that the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) might be cancelled, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its decision to postpone IPL by two weeks (from 29 March to 15 April), citing “precautionary measures”. With the announcement, the cash-rich tournament joins other high-profile global sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League, NBA and the ATP Tour, affected by COVID-19.

Of course, the decision does not imply (yet) that the IPL — postponed to 15 April — stands cancelled. As per John Manoj, Vice President, Hyderabad Cricket Association, BCCI is still to assess the situation and decide accordingly. “We still have a month for the event, so BCCI will assess the situation and take decisions accordingly. I am optimistic that the tournament will start as per schedule. Moreover, Coronavirus is mainly affected in cold countries, but in India, since

April is peak summer, I think foreign players can also come and play the IPL,” shares John Manoj.

EMPTY STANDS

Another alternative doing the rounds is that IPL could be played to empty stands, as happened with the first One-Day International between Australia and New Zealand on Friday.

Those who watched the match on their TV screens might remember an incident that had hogged the limelight. When Australia’s Aaron Finch hit a six, the fielder, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, walked into the stands to pick up the ball before he threw it back to the bowler.

“Normally, people in the crowd consider it a privilege to throw back the ball, but yeah, as there was no one to throw it back, the player had to do it himself,” explains cricket administrator and former Third Umpire, M. R. Singh. Then, justifying the decision of preventing the crowds, Singh adds, “It was taken in the larger interest of everyone’s safety.”

MISSING OUT ON THE IPL EXPERIENCE

Just as fans feel disappointed about missing that larger than life experience of watching the sport up-close, it is equally disappointing for the players to have no spectators in the ground. Former Indian cricket Pragyan Ojha is clear about one thing. The fans endorse and make the game exciting. “The need of the hour is to understand the sensitivity of the issue (coronavirus). Naturally, players would love to see fans rooting and cheering, but everyone has to understand the emergency we are facing and fight the pandemic together,” opines Pragyan.

However, sports writer and analyst Ayaz Memon feels that the situation is an emergency and not an alternative. “The BCCI has taken this decision in the larger interest of everyone’s safety. However, playing the game amid empty stands is the last option that will carefully be reviewed because there is so much at stake,” explains Ayaz.

Isaw Friday’s ODI match between Australia and New Zealand, played behind closed doors in Australia. Without spectators at the match, the match seemed to have no zeal, looking like a practice match. That being said, foreign players are very sensitive. One foreign player (Kane Richardson) in Australia is suspected to be the victim of this virus. I doubt foreign players would come at this stage.

I think it is better we make two different formats now. Also, the first round should be play with the Indian players. The second-phase matches, with the foreign players, should be scheduled for after April 15. Four matches a day on two different grounds be played and shown on two different TV channels and finish off the IPL in 15 days. But, yes, if the effect of the virus continues, I think it is better to call of the tournament this year.”

Rajesh Chauhan, Former Indian cricketer — As told to Bipin Dani

MORE QUOTES ON PAGE 14

‘Match without foreign players and spectators is zero’

“Many find IPL exciting only because foreign players participate in this. For instance, look at the domestic matches. Do you find spectators during Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and other local matches? Hardly any fans come for those. So I think the IPL should be postponed for few weeks. Of course, if the effects of Coronavirus last longer, say, one year or so, forget the IPL, there will be no life on earth.”

— Yograj Singh: Former Indian cricketer

‘People are over reacting’