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'India could hold T20 World Cup 2020', Sunil Gavaskar suggests
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar believes India and Australia could swap the T20 World Cup in order to host the tournaments in two consecutive years. According to him, doing this will open the September window for Indian Premier League, while Australia may host the ICC tournament in 2021. However, a threat of suspension still lies over T20 World Cup due to coronavirus pandemic.
Gavaskar talks about the possibilities
"It can be done where India and Australia come to an agreement. In case the curve in India flattens out and India and Australia swap, so the T20 WC is in India in October-November, 2020 and Australia in October-November next year, then it can happen."
No decision on T20 World Cup as yet
The ICC T20 World Cup has been shrouded into uncertainty with quite a few bilateral series being stalled as the outburst continues. It is scheduled to commence on October 18. The Australian Government has already imposed stern travel restrictions, which are expected to end in September, as of now. However, Cricket Australia has not come to any conclusion regarding the fate of the tournament.
It looks difficult at the moment, feels Gavaskar
Gavaskar feels the possibility of conducting the tournament in Australia during October-November looks bleak presently. "At the moment, as we all know, Australia has barred foreigners from entering the country till September 30," Gavaskar said. He added, "The tournament is starting from mid-October or the 3rd week of October, so it's looking a bit difficult at the moment."
IPL can be held ahead of T20 World cup
The 13th IPL edition has been deferred indefinitely, owing to coronavirus outburst. Earlier, the BCCI postponed India's cash-rich league from March 29 to April 15 after Indian government inflicted travel restrictions. Gavaskar asserted that hosting the T20 World Cup may push India to hold IPL in September. "IPL can be held ahead of T20 WC so that players can have enough practice," Gavaskar concluded.
