BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had a meeting today with all the IPL franchises to discuss about the fate of the IPL 2020. During the meeting several options were explored to organize the tournament amid the global COVID-19 crisis.

BCCI President – Sourav Ganguly made it clear that they want to give priority to health and safety of the players and people involved in holding the IPL.

Six Possible Options for IPL 2020

After postponing the tournament till April 15, there were six different options discussed in the meeting. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Shortened IPL – With certain delay of more than 15 days, there will be the only possibility of organizing a curtailed or shortened IPL. The options may be to have all eight teams play against each other only once (32 games, including 4 playoffs). Otherwise, divide teams into two groups of four teams each and playing home and away (28 games including playoffs).
2. Double Headers – In the initial schedule, the number of double headers is less. During the meeting option to organize more double headers is also discussed and how all 60 matches can be played in shortened schedule.
3. Extending the IPL Window – With more than 2 weeks gone, BCCI plans to extend the IPL window till May 31. And also talk to overseas boards so that some of the players could be available at least until June 7. Keeping in mind the onset of monsoon in the first week of June, the latest cut-off date was set as June 5.
4. Matches behind closed doors – In case the COVID-19 situation doesn’t improve even after April 15th, the foreign players will not get the VISA because of the travel restrictions imposed by government of India. Then, BCCI may decide to organize the matches behind the closed doors. However, it will also depend on the security of players, support staff & groundsmen.
5. Limited Venues – The option to organize the tournament in limited venues was also explored. This will help in reducing the logistics and staging costs.
6. Three games a day – Lastly, the option to organize up to 3 matches in a day. However, this option requires further deliberation between the broadcaster and IPL Franchises.

What is your suggestion for organizing the IPL 2020 to BCCI? Just raise your voice and send a tweet to us. You can also post in the comments section below.