Vijayhardik reports about the commencement of IPL 2020, on Saturday (Sept 19), despite pandemic hiccups. An exclusive for Different Truths.
The year 2020 has been quite eventful. It is the talk of the town. And no one is surprised at the next unexpected thing that turns up. For all the wrong reasons. Sports too were taken off the field due to the pandemic.
As lockdowns were coming to an end, football leagues and tennis tournaments were resuming. But it was not until July cricket resumed. England faced off against West Indies in a three-match Test series. And the spree of series continues.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), the annual cricket festival in the summer months of April-May did not happen as per schedule. It joined a long list of sporting events such as the Olympics, ICC T20 World Cup which were postponed. With no certainty about their future, they were assumed to be a non-starter.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), the annual cricket festival in the summer months of April-May did not happen as per schedule. It joined a long list of sporting events such as the Olympics, ICC T20 World Cup which were postponed. With no certainty about their future, they were assumed to be a non-starter.
People had accepted that IPL was on a break. Cursing the year for all the ills befalling the world, the cricket fans took it in their stride. Just as they were trying to digest the news, the T20 World Cup was put in jeopardy.
Nations were touring England to play Tests, ODIs and T20Is but legions of fans who religiously follow the game were unable to go to stadiums to cheer for their teams and players. Watching it on television and highlight reels online was the only solace.
This IPL was going to be special for its probable lasts. With former India captain M S Dhoni retiring from all forms of international cricket; all India, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Dhoni fans were looking forward to seeing him play one last time.
This IPL was going to be special for its probable lasts. With former India captain M S Dhoni retiring from all forms of international cricket; all India, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Dhoni fans were looking forward to seeing him play one last time. People were waiting to see if Royal Challengers Bangalore could finally say ‘ee sala cup namde’ and wondering if Mumbai would add another title this year. And with some tinkering to squads in the transfer window, it was shaping to be another mouth-watering season.
But it was not to be. As the lockdowns were being lifted, the cricket viewers were baited with the idea that IPL could be hosted abroad. It first began with Sri Lanka. The island nation offered to host the prestigious tournament. Refuted by the cricketing body in India, the fate of the IPL hung in balance.
The debate about hosting the IPL went back and forth. Several nations were considered, and the fate of the IPL was connected with the fate of the T20 World Cup. This cyclical nature of the conversation was regularly published in media speculating on the tournaments.
It was not until the International Cricket Council deferred the World Cup, there was a space open for IPL in the cricket calendar. When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the IPL would be held from September 19 – November 10, the fans were celebrating.
It was not until the International Cricket Council deferred the World Cup, there was a space open for IPL in the cricket calendar. When the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the IPL would be held from September 19 – November 10, the fans were celebrating.
But it was not before a final hiccup that almost threatened the schedule. As soon as the teams landed in Dubai and cities conducive for cricket in the UAE, players and staff from CSK were tested positive for coronavirus. It was quite a scare. But overcoming all these hurdles, the IPL is finally happening!
Time to switch on the television sets and cheer for your team!
Photos sourced by the author
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