CRICKET chiefs are considering delaying the 2020 Indian Premier League even further into the summer after the coronavirus outbreak.
Reports in India say Board of Control for Cricket in India officials are looking at a new window between July and September for the T20 showpiece
The 2020 IPL was due to begin on March 29 but the pandemic caused the start to be delayed until April 15.
It was unclear whether the initial delay meant the tournament would be shortened in length and time, or whether IPL bosses would still try and play the full 60-game schedule.
But Times of India report that bosses are set to postpone the tournament altogether and look at a new slot in the schedule between July and September.
And officials are also open to hosting the competition overseas – like the 2009 edition, which was held in South Africa – depending on the coronavirus situation abroad.
India’s schedule for July to September is fairly clear with just the Asia Cup to play and also a series against Sri Lanka.
Any delay until that period, though, could mean a clash with The Hundred – a new tournament planned to be introduced in England this summer.
England players would likely miss out on the IPL if it is rescheduled as they’re due to be playing Pakistan in a home series.
India have so far confirmed 195 cases of coronavirus and their fourth death on Thursday morning.
