September 25 To November 1 - That's When We Might See IPL 13 Take Place

This could be great news for cricket fans all over the world during the COVID-19 crisis. The BCCI might hold IPL 13 between September 25 to November 1, if India can lower the infection rate by then, that is.

As per a report in IANS, sources said the BCCI is looking to start India's domestic season post-coronavirus with the cash-rich T20 league.

¡°It is still early days as a lot of other things have to fall in place for this to materialise, but yes, the BCCI is looking at a September 25-November 1 window provided the number of cases in the country come down and the government does give a go-ahead. As I said, a lot of things do need to fall in place, but yes, these dates are being talked about and contingency planning is on,¡± the source said.

BCCI

When contacted, an official of one of the IPL franchises said they were indeed working on the road ahead with an eye on the end-September to early-November window as it would take at least a month¡¯s planning leading up to the league when it comes to advertising and marketing.

¡°Yes, we have been told that we should plan with an eye on these dates and in fact, we are looking to plan our build-up in such a manner. But then again, it all depends on the country¡¯s position with regards to the pandemic. There is no denying that we are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that the government will continue with the brilliant job they have done and we will see a drop in the number of cases per day,¡± the official said.

BCCI

Another IPL official said that while the window is being zeroed in on, a lot of clarity will need to come as time progresses with regards to logistics and the on-ground preparations.

¡°Yes, we have been told about the window, but nothing yet on the venues or how to go about the logistics. We need to understand those sides as part of the next step of preparation as foreign players will need to come in and we have to ensure that government directives with regards to fighting the pandemic are fully abided by. I am sure we will get more clarity as time moves forward as preparations will start say around mid-August if we have to play our first match around the end of September,¡± the official explained.

BCCI

But most importantly, the T20 World Cup needs to be postponed first as it is still panned to be played from October 18 to November 15 in Australia. Interestingly, quite a few Australia cricketers, who are part of the national T20 team, believe it will be almost impossible for the country to host the tournament as per schedule.