Madan Lal does not approve the idea of hosting IPL 2020 without the spectators. In an interaction with an agency, Lal clearly mentioned why it does not make any sense to play the matches without the audience.
IPL 2020 uncertain
IPL 2020 was scheduled to begin on March 29. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, the start of the league was postponed to April 15. But amid the growing concern, there is a very less chance of IPL being hosted in April. A lot of speculations are doing the rounds some of which suggest that IPL might get cancelled or IPL might travel abroad. Some also think that there is a possibility of the Indian cricket board hosting the league in empty stadiums. In the initial days of the COVID-19 in Pakistan, a number of PSL matches were also organized in the same manner. But then the last leg of the tournament had to be postponed for the growing threat.
The BCCI is reportedly thinking of arranging the cash-rich league between July and September or in the October-November window. The later part of the year is also booked for the men’s T20 World Cup. But with the current situation, there is a chance of the mega tournament getting postponed. In that case, the IPL 2020 will have another window to entertain the cricket lovers.
What Madan Lal thinks
In case the BCCI can manage to host the IPL in July, there is a possibility of it getting staged without spectators. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal is absolutely against the idea. To him, IPL is not just about the matches and players, it is about a lot of other involvements. “There’s no point in playing IPL matches in front of empty stands. It’s not just about the players and the fans, it’s about other people who are also involved in the process while travelling, organising, broadcasting, etc,” Lal told IANS.
He further added, “IPL is a big brand. But the board can only take a decision once the situation improves and coronavirus is gone. At the moment, it’s on upstage. So, no one is going to take a risk.”
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