‘IPL is the kick-start to the season’ – Pietersen backs condensed tournament
Kevin Pietersen believes that IPL 2020 should act as the kick-start to the cricketing season, backing the idea of a condensed version of the tournament that could be played behind closed doors.
All mainstream cricket is presently on hold as the world struggles to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, and there is uncertainty over the timeline of the resumption of any sport globally. Pietersen feels that the IPL, which was postponed from its scheduled March 29 start, could eye a slot early in the second half of the year for resumption.
“Let’s say July-August is the earliest, I do truly believe the IPL should happen,” Pietersen told Star Sports. “I do believe it is the kick-start to the cricket season. I think every single player around the world is desperate to play the IPL.
“I’d love for that [T20 World Cup] to happen in a perfect world and if I was to be really greedy, I’d love for the IPL to happen as well."https://t.co/WBcyEL8lTk
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 3, 2020
“So it’s a more condensed tournament in three venues, which we know are safe, which we know are secure.”
The financial implications of deferring the cash-rich league are massive [cancelling the tournament would reportedly cost BCCI over £412 million]. In order to salvage the season, Pietersen believes trimming the near two-month affair to a month-long edition is the way to go.
“There could be a way in which to get some money into the franchises, into the economy by having a situation where you use maybe three venues which are completely closed to fans and the players can still go out and play the tournament in three weeks or in four weeks.”
Kevin Pietersen wants a condensed version of the IPL to be held behind close doors when possible
Given the exponential spread of the disease over the past two months, it could be a while before normalcy returns. If cricketing action does resume as early as July, Pietersen agrees that it should be held without any spectators at grounds.
“I don’t think the fans need to be risked in this situation. I think the fans need to understand they can’t watch a live game at the moment and they might not be able to watch a live game for the foreseeable future.
“[But] what would you guys give right now, to watch Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings right now?”
