Ian Chappell believes that the suspension of IPL 2021 showcases the vulnerability of Cricket

Ian Chappell believes that the suspension of IPL 2021 showcases the vulnerability of Cricket

The Indian Premier League’s 14th season was suspended in the middle of the competition after cases of Covid-19 were discovered among players and support staff. Owing to this, the BCCI has agreed to put the IPL 2021 on hold indefinitely, which has sparked a lot of debate about the league.

The postponement of the IPL 2021, according to Australian legend Ian Chappell, serves as a warning of cricket’s vulnerability, and he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of moving the forthcoming T20 World Cup from India due to the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic.

“The suspension of the 2021 IPL tournament because of surging Covid infections and deaths among the public, and a number of participants testing positive, was a reminder of the game’s vulnerability,” said Ian Chappell.

With over 400,000 cases registered daily, India is battling a frightening second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nation is set to host the T20 World Cup later this year, but the location is likely to change.

Chappell discusses that the T20 World Cup could be moved or delayed as a result of the pandemic

ICC T20 World Cup
ICC T20 World Cup

“In the current disastrous climate, the suspension of the IPL could also produce a precedent. It may lead to the World T20 event, programmed for India later in the year, either being postponed or moved,” added Ian Chappell.

Ian Chappel also shed light on other tours and matches getting postponed or abandoned for various reasons.

“In the past, tours have been aborted and matches abandoned for a variety of reasons. Many of these involved backstories, some of which were tragic and others amusing,” quoted Ian Chappell.

Since the ICC Test Championship and ICC T20 World Cup are scheduled for 2021, BCCI is having difficulty securing a space for the remaining IPL matches. The BCCI President has already stated that the IPL governing council will need to consult with other countries’ boards to see whether a window can be created to host the remaining 31 matches before the T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka Cricket and counties from England have already offered their assistance to host the remainder of IPL matches, but there is no confirmation yet from the BCCI.

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