The T20 World Cup is all set to take place in India this year. In preparation to the ICC event, the BCCI has already started preparing for it. A lot of other topics are on their agenda. BCCI have directed nine cities to start preparing for the World Cup. As mentioned earlier, they were a lot of topics to be addressed by the BCCI. According to a few rumours, an Apex Council meeting was virtually held, several items including the T20 World Cup, domestic season, Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the BCA T20 league were placed on the agenda list. Amidst Pakistan’s issues over visa assurance, the board has also reportedly said that it would provide visas to all participants of the World Cup.

 

“The nine venues have been informed and it was agains discussed that preparations should continue for the showpiece event with an eye on the COVID-19 situation and a call will only be taken closer to the event. It is too early to imagine what can or will happen in October-November with regards to the Coronavirus situation. But preparations shall be on,” claimed a few sources, who informed ANI. As we speak, the 14th edition of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) is taking place. It is conducted in six cities behind closed doors. It is still unclear if the T20 World Cup would take place behind closed doors or no. On the decision surrounding cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, a report by Republic World said that there were positive discussions in the matter at the Apex Council meeting and added that the board has decided to adopt a ‘wait and watch’ policy on the matter. It was also mentioned that the discussion pertaining to the same will be held again in September.

 

“There were discussion on the domestic calendar as well, the BCCI is very serious about it and we are looking at September to kickstart the season with the Mushtaq Ali and then the 50-over and 5 days format, but then have to see how things pan out. You cannot predict the future in these circumstances,” the ANI source further said. Amidst the chaos and concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Cricket Council (ICC) recently said that it is closely working with the BCCI to ensure the T20 World Cup slated to be held in October this year is conducted smoothly. Maintaining that the ICC event will proceed as planned in India, the ICC stated that a contingency plan is in the works. This plan B has been put in place in case things go down south. The T20 World Cup, originally scheduled to be held in 2020, had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak which subsequently led to an entire chaos over the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and the schedule of ICC events, which were eventually reorganized.

By Arvind Krishnan

Cricket writer, statistician and analyst. An unorthodox media student, marketing runs in his blood. Sports Marketer and analyst.