MUMBAI: Even as there is much speculation aroiund the fate of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League due to the coronavirus pandemic, commentator and former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar voiced the need for the IPL to happen whatever shape or form "because it will kick start the economy".
Manjrekar, who was speaking on Star Sports' new show Cricket Connected, said: “The moment we get clearances from all the authorities that matter, the IPL should happen, only because it will kick start the economy because when you talk about the IPL, it’s not just about the Mumbai Indians, or a Dhoni or a Virat Kohli, there are a lot of people who are making their livelihood through the IPL.”
Speaking on the same show, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen said: “Let’s say July/August is the earliest, I do truly believe the IPL should happen. I do believe it is the kick-start to the cricket season. I think every single player around the world is desperate to play the IPL. There could be a way in which to get some money into the franchises, into the economy by having a situation where you use maybe three venues which are completely closed to fans and the players can still go out and play the tournament in 3 weeks or in 4 weeks.
“So, it’s a more condensed tournament in 3 venues which we know are safe, which we know are secure. I don’t think the fans need to be risked in this situation. I think the fans need to understand they can’t watch a live game at the moment and they might not be able to watch a live game for the foreseeable future. [But] what would you guys give right now, to watch Mumbai Indian’s v Chennai Super Kings right now?”
The first episode of ‘Cricket Connected’ airs at 7PM & 9 PM and will be hosted by Mayanti Langer (English) & Jatin Sapru (Hindi).
Every week, ‘Cricket Connected’ will see a different cricketing legend engage with fans through video calls discussing a range of topics, from getting to know what these cricketers are up to during the lockdown to reminiscing with them over their favourite knock.
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