BCCI President Sourav Ganguly expecting highest TV ratings for IPL 2020

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly expects the Indian Premier League (UAE), starting next month, will shatter viewership records this year. The IPL begins on 19th September 2020 and is being played in three cities in UAE; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The league which takes place in India was shifted out due to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in India.

The BCCI was all set to release the schedule after solving issues with the Emirates Cricket Board when they hit a roadblock. 13 squad members including two players of Chennai Super Kings tested positive for the virus. “Crowds will watch it on television…they (the broadcasters) are actually expecting the highest rating of IPL this season because they believe if (people) don’t turn up in the ground, they will be actually watching on their television sets,” Ganguly said.

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Ganguly also said staging the IPL was important to ensure a sense of normalcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused disruption in every aspect of daily life. Asked how cricketers would feel about playing in front of empty stands, Ganguly said, “…because of the COVID and infection, you don’t want people to be too close to each other, but very soon you will see there will be 30 per cent people in the ground with social distancing.

“They are properly tested and allowed to enter the ground. But I think that is going to happen over a period of time,” he added referring to the possibility of IPL’s later matches being opened for fans depending on the COVID-19 situation. “This will go on for another five-six months till the vaccine comes and I am sure everything then will be back to normal,” he asserted.