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The BCCI has yet to make any concrete backup plans for the 2020-21 domestic season, which will begin in August, but the man in charge, Saba Karim, says the priority will be to host as many games as possible amid the challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cricket Board for England and Wales has already announced the suspension of all its activities until July, including the national season, following the rapid pandemic of COVID-19. All sports activities around the world have stopped.
“There are no concrete backup plans as such. There is still time for August. We are taking month to month, ”Karim, general manager of BCCI (cricket operations), told PTI.
The 2019-20 season started with the Duleep Trophy in August and ended with the Ranji Trophy final last month.
The Irani Cup, which ended the season, which would start four days after the Ranji Trophy final, was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The IPL has been postponed indefinitely and there is a possibility that it will take place in September, when the national season is also underway. So far, no other cricket activity has happened in India at the time of the IPL.
When asked about a possible clash between IPL and the national season, the former Indian wicket wielder said, “It’s hard to talk about that at this stage. It all depends on how soon we get through this situation.”
“At this stage, it is more important to be safe and protected. I am sure that little by little things will open up. So we are positive.
“We will try to make the best of the circumstances. Whatever window is available, we will try to incorporate as many parties as possible, “Karim said.
Last season, BCCI held up to 2,035 games between age groups in the men’s and women’s categories. Of these, 470 matches were organized in the senior men’s category.
With nine teams added to the home circuit in 2018, the number of games has increased significantly.
Karim recognized the challenge of carrying out a long season.
“It crossed my mind (about the season’s rejig) and we are extremely flexible. Otherwise, we must also be flexible due to fickle weather conditions. It looks like this year is going to be different. We need to be attentive and flexible to any changes that are required.
“Whatever changes we bring, it will be to the benefit of our players and state associations,” he added.
