“Nothing has changed in the last 10 days”: Sourav Ganguly gives update on IPL 2020’s future

Sourav Ganguly gives update on IPL 2020’s future: BCCI’s President remains unsure regarding the future of the cash-rich tournament.

Former India captain and current BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) President Sourav Ganguly has readily agreed to lend the sports facility at the Eden Gardens to the government’s disposal to create a temporary medical facility in the wake of the outcome of the novel COVID-19.

“If government asks us, we will certainly hand over the [indoor] facility [and the players dormitory at the Eden Gardens]. Anything that is need of the hour, we will do it. There is absolutely no problem,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI in an exclusive interaction.

It is worth mentioning that the Puducherry Cricket Association has offered its indoor facility to the government. Ganguly also opined in the affirmative on being asked if the government should announce lockdown of the whole country to tackle the crisis.

“I think this [lockdown] is the best option at the current moment. Certain things are beyond anybody’s control. Whatever directives that the government and ministry of health gives us, we have to follow. That’s the case all over the world,” Ganguly said.

Sourav Ganguly gives update on IPL 2020’s future

Ganguly, who had announced the postponement of IPL 2020 as an aftermath of coronavirus more than a fortnight ago, was still unsure about the future of the tournament. The 47-year old laid emphasis on the situation being the same in the last 10 days.

“I can’t say anything at the moment. We are at the same place where we were on the day we postponed. Nothing has changed in the last 10 days. So, I don’t have an answer to it. Status quo remains,” Ganguly added.

While a BCCI source recently opened up on the first of May being the deadline to commence IPL 2020, Ganguly pointed out the FTP (Future Tours Programme) being already decided and that the delay in starting the tournament will mean that many overseas cricketers won’t be a part of the cash-rich league.

“You can’t plan anything. The FTP is scheduled. It’s there and you can’t change the FTP. All around the world, cricket and more so sports has stopped,” Ganguly said.

If IPL 2020 doesn’t see the daylight, it is expected to bring huge monetary losses for all its stakeholders. Being asked if the BCCI is pondering at recovering the money from insurance, Ganguly spoke against giving a “concrete answer”.

“I am not sure whether you can get insurance money. Because this is a government lockdown. I am not sure whether a government lockdown is covered by insurance or not.

“We will have to see. We have not assessed all these things. At this point of time, it is very difficult for me to give any concrete answer,” Ganguly concluded.