Australia’s Glenn Maxwell thinks but it will be difficult to justify conducting the upcoming T20 World Cup without fans cheering from the stands, unlike a rescheduled Indian Premier League.
Both the 13th IPL and T20 World Cup are uncertain at the moment with the Covid-19 pandemic worsening, which has killed more than 1,00,000 people globally.
One of the options for Board of Control for Cricket in India is to host the IPL in the October-November window if the ICC decides to postpone the T20 World Cup [October 18-November 15]. There has also been talks of conducting the tournaments behind closed doors.
One of the stalwarts of T20 cricket, Maxwell feels if crowds weren’t possible for either of the two events, the IPL would be a better option to go ahead. “It’s going to be hard for us to have crowds,” Maxwell told ABC Grandstand. “I think if IPL goes ahead they can probably survive without any crowds, but I can’t see the T20 World Cup surviving without any people there.”
He added: “It’s going to be hard for us to justify having a World Cup when we can’t get people into the grounds. So I can’t see it happening in the near future. We’ve got to take care of everyone’s health and well being.”
The IPL, which was deferred till April 14, is headed towards an indefinite postponement as India braced for a lockdown extension to contain the rapidly-spreading coronavirus.
The T20 World Cup, on the other hand, is scheduled to be held Down Under in October-November but it all depends on how the coronavirus is contained by Australia and other nations. The deadly disease has brought all sporting activities, including cricket, to a halt across the globe.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!