On his 48th birthday, Dada discussed the updates regarding IPL which has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Initially scheduled to start on March 29, the hugely popular cash rich league has been suspended due to the ongoing virus situation.
While the former India captain said it is important for cricket to return to normalcy, any decision on the IPL had to wait for the ICC to make a decision upon the fate of the T20 world cup scheduled for later this year.
“We don’t want the year 2020 to finish without an IPL. Our first priority is India and even if we get 35 to 40 days , we will host it. But we don’t know where,” said Ganguly on the India today show ‘inspiration
New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the UAE have offered to host the IPL in the case of logistical issues for India due to the rising number of infections from the virus. Organising the league overseas is a possibility, but the costs for such for such a setup would be much increased. However, this would not be the first time the IPL would be relocated. Previously it has been relocated to the UAE and South Africa when elections were being held in the country.
“I will put it in this order. Firstly, whether we can (have an IPL) within the time frame as the IPL has limited window.
“Secondly, (host it in) India. If it’s not possible, then we are thinking of going out. But going out where? Because if you go out, it becomes expensive for everyone , franchises and the board.
“Because of conversion rate and currency exchange rate it becomes expensive. So we are monitoring but as I said, we are very keen to host it and have) got our fingers crossed.”
Despite this, Dada was quick to acknowledge the grim Covid-19 situation in India while adding that it is not easy to say that the IPL can confidently be held in India.