|| Desk Report ||

The coronavirus pandemic has severely impacted the market so much that it is not ready to support the 2020 edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) with the same fervor as it used to in the past, according to Disney Star India President Uday Shankar.

“The entire economy has gone through a massive shock,” Uday Shankar said.

“I’m not sure the market is ready to support the IPL with the same fervour,” he added while admitting that the advertising revenues need to be substantial to break even for the broadcaster (Star) and other stakeholders involved in the T20 league,” Shankar was quoted as saying by The Economic Times.

The final announcement is expected soon as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still awaiting an official decision on the fate of the T20 World Cup which was scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November.

There are a couple of voices which want to take the IPL outside if needed. IANS had earlier reported that the decision-makers in the BCCI were divided in a 3:2 ratio with regards to deciding on the venue of the league.

“See, it is a case of the decision-makers being divided 3-2 if that is how you wish to understand the current scenario,” Disney Star India president said.

“There are a couple of voices who feel that having the tournament should be the priority and if that means taking it out of the country, so be it. So, while we are working on the overall plan, the venue is an area which will need further deliberation. Also, at the end of the day safety of the players and everyone involved is priority,” the official had explained.