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Anil Kumble ‘hopeful and optimistic’ about IPL happening later this year

A BCCI official on Wednesday also said that if the Indian government allows them they will “absolutely” have the IPL in October-November later this year.

Anil Kumble ‘hopeful and optimistic’ about IPL happening later this year

Anil Kumble file image. (Photo: IANS)

Former India captain and ICC Cricket Committee chief Anil Kumble expressed his optimism about the Indian Premier League and said that he remained hopeful that the tournament would take place this year.

“Yes we are hopeful and optimistic that there’s still a possibility if we can cram in the schedule,” ICC Cricket Committee Chairman Anil Kumble said while speaking on Star Sports Cricket Connected show.

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“If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have three or four venues; there’s still a possibility, we are all optimistic,” he added.

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The IPL 2020, which was scheduled to be played from March 29 this year, was earlier postponed to April 15 before it was suspended due to the crisis caused by the novel coronavirus till further notice.

However, several media reports including one by the news agency IANS suggested that the BCCI was looking at the possibility to host the 13th edition of the IPL from September 25 to November 1, considering that the T20 World Cup – scheduled to take place at the same time – would be postponed.

Meanwhile, a BCCI official on Wednesday also said that if the Indian government allows them they will “absolutely” have the IPL in October-November later this year.

“It all depends on the circumstances. If the situation improves as it is and if the government does give the go-ahead then absolutely we will have the IPL. Every player you speak to has been telling you that they are keen to be a part of the league and how they cannot wait for the tournament to happen. The feeling is same in the board as well. But the decision of the government is final and only after they say that the situation is right for a sporting event to happen that we will go ahead with the event during the end of September to early November window,” the official said.

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