BCCI eager to stage IPL this year, even if it means playing in empty stadiums: Sourav Ganguly

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is eager to stage the Indian Premier League (IPL) behind closed doors. They said they are working on all possible options to stage the cash-rich event this year, board president Sourav Ganguly stated in his letter.

The letter states: "The BCCI is working on all possible options to ensure that we are able to stage the IPL this year, even if it means playing the tournament in empty stadiums".

Initially, the IPL was scheduled to commence from March 29, however, due to the outbreak of coronavirus, it was postponed indefinitely. Now, according to speculations, the tournament might be played in the October-November window if the ICC decides to postpone the T20 World Cup.

In the letter, Ganguly has also wrote that cricket activities all over the country have come to a standstill and training and competitive cricket might resume in the next two months.

"The BCCI is in the process of developing a COVID-19 Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) for all State Cricket Associations. Essentially this SOP is being made with a view of providing our Members with a standard set of guidelines which will help the associations to resume cricket in their respective areas," Ganguly wrote in his letter to all affiliated members.

Talking about domestic cricket, Ganguly said: "Moving ahead, the BCCI is in the process of planning the domestic competitions for the next cricketing season. We are working on various formats and options in our endeavour to ensure that various domestic tournaments are held, they stay competitive and participation is feasible. The BCCI will come up with more details on this front over the next couple of weeks".

The former Indian skipper also said that during the lockdown, the board has tried to release the dues of everyone involved with the board.

"The BCCI has made all efforts to release due and payable funds/grants to its various members. Associations which have made proper submissions of their accounts and fund utilisation certificate have already received their grants. The BCCI will endeavour to release due and payable funds/grants for the remaining associations as well, once all documentation formalities are completed from their end".