After multiple players and staff members of IPL franchises were tested positive for COVID-19. The cricketing body of India, BCCI has decided to postpone the ongoing IPL season indefinitely. So far, 29 out of 60 matches have been played and the IPL 2021 will resume from where it left off. But now the question arises when will IPL 2021 start again? BCCI is putting the possible efforts to rescheduled the league as millions of dollars are at stake.
When will IPL 2021 resume?
BCCI mulls to return with IPL in September 2021. Indian cricket team has to play a 5-match test series against England till 15 September. While the 2021 T20 World Cup is scheduled to play between 18 October and 15 November. So there is a 33-day empty window in 2021 which is an opportunity for the Indian cricketing body to resume the IPL.
A franchise official let Cricbuzz know about BCCI’s plan “A September window is being considered. By then the England-India series would be over and the foreign players would be ready for the T20 World Cup. That small window is being explored,”
IPL governing council, Chairman, Brijesh Patel confirmed that the board will be eying a window this year to resume IPL 2021. He said, “Now we have to look for a window. If we get one, we will explore holding it. We’ll have to see if it is possible in September. We need to examine the plans of the ICC and other boards.”
What’s next for BCCI?
IPL will resume in September 2021 only if the COVID situations would be better in India. Bringing overseas players to India will be another concern for the BCCI. Many foreign players had quit the season after the outbreak of the virus in the host nation. The 2021 T20 World Cup is also scheduled to play in India, however, UAE is kept as the standby venue.
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As the COVID crisis halt the league, now what’s next for Indian cricket? India has to ICC Test Championship final against New Zealand between 18 to 22 June. The disease may not affect the match and the mega match is expected to go ahead as scheduled. India vs Sri Lanka limited-overs series, India tour of Zimbabwe and Asia Cup has to follow BCCI’s plans after the Championship final. However, it is uncertain if the schedule will go ahead as planned.
