Former India player and Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble is still hopeful of the 13th edition of Indian Premier League this year and favoured the idea of hosting the league without spectators due to the global pandemic novel coronavirus outbreak and its effect across the globe. Although the news is not official, there is speculation that the BCCI wants to host the cash-rich league in the October-November during the time of ICC T20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Australia.

Notably, this year’s IPL has already been postponed twice. At first, it was about to begin from March 29 but later the tournament was postponed until April 15 due to the lockdown of COVID-19 and now it has been postponed for the indefinite time period because of the pandemic.

"Yes we are hopeful and optimistic that there is still a possibility (to hold IPL this year) if we can cram in the schedule," Anil Kumble was quoted as saying by Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.

"If we are going to have a stadium without spectators, then probably have 3 or 4 venues; there's still a possibility, we are all optimistic," said the veteran spinner, who is also the chairman of ICC's Cricket Committee.

On the other hand, former India batsman and Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise’s mentor VVS Laxman said that the league can be played in those cities which have multiple stadia so that it will reduce travelling by players and other staff as well.

"Absolutely (there is chance to hold IPL this year), and also make sure that all the stakeholders have a say," he said. "...you should identify one venue, which probably has 3 or 4 grounds; if at all you find that kind of a venue because travel is again going to be quite challenging. You don't know who's going to be where at the airports, so that I'm sure the franchises and the BCCI will be looking into."