Even though there was men’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in October, the discussions over IPL 2020 never stopped. Multiple times BCCI officials showed their interest in hosting IPL 2020 and mentioned that they were waiting for ICC’s decision. Reportedly if the BCCI somehow cannot manage to organize IPL 2020, they would have to bear a huge loss.
IPL 2020 dates finalization saga
The 13th edition of IPL was initially scheduled to begin from March 29 but it had to be stopped in the wake of the COVID-19. There were talks about the possibility of the same at the second half of the year. Primarily the decision on IPL 2020 was deferred to April 15 but due to extended lockdown in India, it could not be possible. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia showed their disinterest in hosting men’s T20 World Cup in October-November due to the pandemic. This gave hope to millions. Everyone was waiting for the International Cricket Council’s decision to get a window for IPL 2020. The cancellation Asia Cup 2020 was another reason of being optimistic about the much-anticipated league.
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On Monday, the ICC decided to postpone T20 World Cup 2020 and in no time various IPL 2020 dates started being discussed everywhere. On Friday, Brijesh Patel, the IPL Governing Council chairman finally confirmed the final dates. According to him, the IPL 2020 will run between September 19 and November 8.
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Why is IPL 2020 a must for BCCI?
According to a report in The Economic Times, it is important for the BCCI to host IPL this year. The Indian cricket board took an advance Rs 2000 crore from various stakeholders involved with the IPL. In case the tournament gets cancelled, the board must pay it back or extend the contracts of the media rights holder, title, and other sponsors for another year. Moreover, the board is set to receive Rs 3300 crore from STAR, Rs 440 crore from title sponsor VIVO and a cumulative sum of Rs 170 crore from other sponsors – including umpiring and strategic time-out partners for IPL 2020.
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A senior BCCI official revealed the same to the Economic Times, “Not conducting IPL means a straight blow of Rs 4,000 crore to the board’s topline. We have already received advances of close to Rs 2,000 crore. Not delivering IPL will mean either we will have to give it back or extend all the contracts by one year. Both the options are not in the favour of the board.” He added, “If we would have announced cancellation, Star would ask for a refund and matter would have reached the courts. Also, we were hopeful that the ICC will push the T20 World Cup and a window will be available. And nobody could foresee when the pandemic would subside. But now, we have a real chance for IPL 13 to materialise.”
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