T20 World Cup could be pushed to 2021 with IPL taking its slot – Brendon McCullum

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum believes that the T20 World Cup could be pushed to next year whereas the Indian Premier League 2020 can take its slot in October-November. There are reports surfacing that the T20 World Cup can be played behind closed but McCullum feels it is not going to be the case.

In fact, most of the International sporting action has been suspended including the Olympics and the Wimbledon. Hence, the ICC can come into scrutiny if it tries to host the T20 World Cup. Furthermore, the governing body is expected to make $5 million to $10 million from the sale of the match tickets and thus it will be difficult to play without any spectators as there will be huge monetary losses.

On the other hand, 16 teams will take part in the T20 World Cup. In fact, the Australian government has barred any foreigner till September 30 whereas the T20I showpiece is to begin from October 18. Ergo, there are doubts whether the Australian government will lift off the visa restrictions.

Meanwhile, the BCCI is also targeting other windows to host the IPL after the tournament was indefinitely postponed. In fact, one of the officials had recently stated that the IPL can be played in the October-November window if the T20 World Cup is pushed to a later schedule.

“I think the IPL will try and target that October window and the T20 World Cup will get pushed back,” McCullum told ‘Sky Cricket Podcast’.

McCullum also added that he doesn’t see the T20 World Cup being played behind closed doors. In fact, former Australian captain Allan Border and batsman Glenn Maxwell had recently added that it would be difficult to host the T20 World Cup without any fans.

“For Australia to move 16 international teams plus all of their support staff and then broadcasters, seems a bridge too far. I can’t see them playing the T20 World Cup behind closed doors either,” McCullum said.

“There may be a window a bit later in the new year of 2021 which could then open up a window for the IPL (in October and November).”

There is a lot of uncertainty going around amid the coronavirus pandemic and it is hard to predict what will be the scenario after four to five months. The IPL and the T20 World Cup can only be played if the current situation improves.

Written by: Gautam Chauhan