MUMBAI: On Sunday, the Union government released a new set of guidelines for a third extension of the nationwide lockdown in place for over 60 days and counting.
A notice by Ministry of Home Affairs states: “All cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places. Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open; however, spectators will not be allowed.”
Reacting cautiously to the development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stated it “has taken note of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday for containment of COVID-19 across the country”.
For now, the BCCI is not looking beyond cricketers resuming training. “We can’t be looking at staging any competition, let alone IPL, when inter-state travel is not permitted. Also international travel is restricted. But with stadiums being opened, we will now work out modalities with our state units as to which places players can train and when,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said.
Dhumal further stated: “Taking into the account the restrictions on air travel and movement of people till May 31, the BCCI will wait further before organizing a skill-based training camp for its contracted players. The Board reiterates that the safety and well-being of its athletes and support staff is paramount and will not rush into any decision that can hamper or jeopardize India’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus.
“In the meantime, the BCCI will study guidelines at the state level and will work in sync with State Cricket Associations to chalk out a programme for skill-based training at a local level. The BCCI Office-Bearers will continue their interactions with the team management and draw up a suitable plan for the entire team once the situation further improves.”
So where does that leave the fate of the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League? Essentially still in wait and watch mode. But all indicators are that with the likely cancellation of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2020, which is scheduled to be held in Australia in October, the IPL will slot itself into that “vacant window”.
