Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was postponed on Tuesday after the COVID-19 outbreak in the bio-bubble of various franchises. Notably, four players tested positive for Coronavirus, which included Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier (Kolkata Knight Riders), Wriddhiman Saha (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Amit Mishra (Delhi Capitals).
While BCCI took a huge step in light of the current situation and to ensure the complete safety of the players, they have not yet ruled out the possibility of resumption of the tournament. As per reports, they have found a window to conduct the remainder of the season.
BCCI have found a window to resume IPL 2021
With a tight international calendar scheduled for the year, there aren't too many windows available for BCCI to resume the league. However, the governing body is trying to make a few alterations in the calendar for completing the tournament with 29 matches already completed.
Also Read: IPL 2021 suspended indefinitely after multiple COVID-19 cases emerge in bio-bubbles
As India will end their tour against England on September 14 and are set to take part in the T20 World Cup starting on October 18, there is a small window available in that period. While it was initially reserved for 3-match T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand, there is a possibility that IPL 2021 might happen in that window if BCCI can manage to reschedule those bilateral series.
In conversation with Cricbuzz, the chairman of the IPL - Mr. Brijesh Patel 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."
Will the players be available?
There will be a slight issue with the September-October window as most of the teams have a few bilateral series in preparation for the upcoming T20 WC. With a possibility of the World Cup moving to UAE, BCCI might also take the same path for IPL, which could end up serving as a platform for the players of all countries to prepare for the mega event.