Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju gives massive IPL 2020 update. IPL start on the cards?

The confusion regarding the staging of sporting events in India after corona seems to never end. But the Indian sports minister Kiren Rijiju in one of his latest webinars has now clarified that the sports in India can be restarted without spectators. It has come in as a huge relief for the coordinators, broadcasters and especially the fans of mega leagues in the country like the IPL and ISL.

Sports in India can be restarted without spectators

IPL 2020 Update: behind closed doors?

The mega tournaments like the Indian Premier league which were supposed to be held this year was postponed until further notice. This positive update from the sports minister would pave the way for further developments regarding the staging of these mega-events.

Kiren Rijiju on fitness during the lockdown | Expressions https://t.co/Cn228LoMjU

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 28, 2020

Now, there exists a possibility of IPL 2020 happening this year behind closed doors. Even though the stadium ticket sales, food and beverage sales which makes up the bulk of a teams revenue will be hugely affected by this move, franchise’s would tend to agree to this move as this is the only way possible considering the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Tournament to be limited to lesser venues

Earlier this week, certain BCCI officials have made a remark that if the lucrative tournament happens to be staged behind closed doors, then the board would most likely limit the number of stadiums to very few like 3-4 stadiums as that would help in cutting down on the travel expenses and hence the franchises could make up for the revenue lost through ticket sales. This would mean that the tournament would be held in a 1-2 cities alone. A mega city like Mumbai which has 4 proper cricket stadiums would’ve stood a chance if not for the concerning health issues happening over there.

All eyes on ICC meeting on June 10

All of these developments regarding the IPL 2020 would only come in handy if the ICC meeting that convenes on June 10 decides to shift the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia a bit further to the next year and hence opens up that window for IPL to be staged.