The Indian T20 League is the probably the biggest cricketing event that happens every year. A lot of people put a lot of money so that the tournament can be conducted. This year the situation is different. Due to the Coronavirus spread no sporting event is happening since March. But looking at the loss that will be incurred if the Indian T20 League does not happen this year, is big. That's why the board is trying its best to conduct a full Indian T20 League.
Board is looking at the window of September October to conduct the Indian T20 League if the World T20 is cancelled. But there is also the Asia cup scheduled in September which is conducted like a warm-up to the world cup. But if the World T20 is cancelled Board will conduct the Indian T20 League in that window.
The Board has expressed surprise over reports of plans of the Asia Cup being shifted to Sri Lanka later this year, as per media reports.
It was after the ACC meeting last week that the reports of PCB and SLC agreeing to swap the hosting of the tournament had started emerging.
After the ACC meeting, SLC chief Shammi Silva had said, “We had a discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and they have already agreed to our hosting this edition due to the present world situation. We had an online ACC meeting and they basically gave us the green light to host the tournament," Silva was quoted as saying.
To this a Board official said, "We have no idea where such reports are coming from and we’re surprised how fast these reports travel. The Board is clear that no decision was taken at the ACC meeting. The Board is tired of giving out these clarifications. Earlier it was about travelling to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, and Board had to deny it with a statement. Now this.”
The official further made it clear that this year's Indian T20 League won't be truncated, just because of the Asia Cup.
"Let’s be clear about that first. There won't be a truncated IPL just to host an Asia Cup. Those thinking on such lines are clearly not speaking in India's interests and the Board will not be party to it,” sources added.
Talking about the numbers, any other series in the world would not match up to the numbers generated by Indian T20 League.
Even the World Cup in England was a loss-making event for the broadcasters and we're talking about an Asia Cup here. The Indian T20 League is a different beast altogether. Who're these people who refuse to understand the numbers? It’s in Indian cricket's best interests to host the Indian T20 League. What are we going to cater to? India's interests or PCB's interests?” say those who track the industry.
