According to media reports after being fed up with the International Cricked Council (ICC) over delays to share a final word on this year’s T20 World Cup, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to start planning for the tear ahead.
Indian Cricket Board is working on drawing up a tentative window for the Indian Premier League (IPL), without waiting anymore for ICC’s decision on the T20 World Cup.
BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal confirmed in an interview that “It is It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead.”
"The year started on a horrible note and theres been no relief on any front. But as time goes by, we need to take things head on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different,” he said
Citing examples of other Domestic Sports Leagues like English Premier League in England, NBA in United States and Austria’s domestic rugby league he said, “"So, what are we witnessing here? Domestic leagues are in focus while the Olympics and the World Cups are taking a backseat. That's because local leagues dont depend on too many external factors to get going. Revenues are more localised; gate receipts arent such a huge concern and local leagues can be trimmed and planned to suit particular windows. They're also television friendly because they can be adjusted to primarily suit local prime time.”
The IPL 2020 was supposed to begin in March this year but has been suspended indefinitely. The ICC is yet to decide on the T20 World Cup, which is currently scheduled for October-November in Australia.
League Chairman Brijesh Patel has earlier told the press that BCCI has zeroed on the September-October window for the IPL subject to postponement of Asia Cup and T20 World Cup with a hint that this IPL might be held overseas as games in empty stadium makes the location irrelevant. Dhumal's comments now confirm that those plans are being put being put in motion.