Image source: Indian Cricket Team (X)
Amid the growing conflict between India and Pakistan, the BCCI made a statement on the afternoon of Friday, 9th May suspending the IPL albeit temporarily, putting the safety of players, franchises and most of all the fans on top priority.
This after the game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals on 8th May was called off mid-way into the first innings owing to the shutting down of Dharamsala airport amid security fears.
Truth be told, this was a very important and perhaps the correct decision that the BCCI had taken to put the safety of all stakeholders involved as priority number one overpursuing any commercial interests.
Afterall, it’s a known fact the IPL is a money spinner not only for the Indian Board but everyone involved.
But when the very fabric of the game which is only spun in earnest, courtesy the die-hard faithful who passionately supports his beloved team is under threat, it’s best to postpone the league which perhaps can resume when a semblance of normalcy returns.
Well to everyone’s delight, normalcy seems to be returning with the two countries as of the evening of Saturday 10th May, agreeing to a ceasefire which has put some amount of certainty to the resumption of the hottest franchise tournament on planet earth.
But the big question on everyone’s mind is when?
Does The IPL resume in a week?
While the BCCI has said it could look at resuming the IPL at the earliest with three cities now hosting the remaining 12 group games along with the business end, i.e. the play-offs and the final in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, the question that beckons is will they get Government approvals in time?
Also, would this be too soon as the overseas players have begun to go back owing to the suspension and will they be able to make the trip back in time?
Perhaps that’s a challenge the Indian board would have to look at albeit in my humble opinion it’s better to monitor the situation over the next few weeks and once all the stakeholders are satisfied with the environment at play, the league can commence again.
September could be a more favourable window
This perhaps is a more realistic possibility as currently all attention should be on the welfare of the Indian citizens with the ceasefire just announced including the players and the support staff.
September is an open window for the Indian talent with no international commitments though it does coincide with the Asia Cup which in all honesty seems highly unlikely to happen.
Having said this, the availability of international talent at the time might be a concern as England and South Africa would be locked in a bilateral battle in the early part of September but the latter half can definitely accommodate everyone’s participation.
As this dynamic situation continues to evolve, in time, we’ll know more—with the BCCI undoubtedly aiming to make the best possible decision for the safe resumption of the world’s biggest franchise cricket tournament.
For now, all we can do is hope that cricket becomes the much-needed symbol of certainty—helping to dispel the fears and challenges that each one of us has faced in recent days.
