Pressure grows for shortened IPL behind closed doors

NEW DELHI: Players are putting pressure on authorities to plan a shortened Indian Premier League later in the year to “kickstart” the sports economy after the coronavirus lockdown.

IPL has been postponed until April 15. But with the number of cases and deaths rising, few believe any sport will be possible in the sub-continent for at least three months. “Let’s say July-August is the earliest,” said Kevin Pietersen, the former England batsman. “I do truly believe the IPL should happen. I think every single player around the world is desperate to play the IPL,” he said on Indian broadcaster Star Sports.

Pietersen suggested the eight-team tournament be shortened from its normal eight-week duration and played behind closed doors. Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar said the league will inject life into the virus-ravaged economy. “The moment we get clearances from all the authorities that matter, the IPL should happen, only because it will kickstart the economy,” said the cricketer-turned-commentator.