Former batting great and Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman said Indian Premier League (IPL) can be played once the situation gets better after the COVID-19 crisis and the 13th edition of IPL will be a perfect curtain-raiser for the cricket season which can set the tone before the T20 World Cup. The mega event is scheduled to take place in October-November in Australia as well.

IPL 2020 has been postponed for an indefinite time period due to the global pandemic novel coronavirus. The IPL 2020, which was earlier scheduled to begin from March 29, was initially pushed back until April 15 due to the lockdown in the country. However, the tournament was again postponed after India extended its lockdown to May 3 to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"I think some of the cricket boards will be encouraging the fact that IPL is a big tournament, and everyone acknowledges that," VVS Laxman told Star Sports. “And just before the World Cup it will set the tone for a hectic cricket season. But I just hope that everything is normal, and no one is in danger. And once that happens, I am sure the IPL should kick off the cricket calendar."

However, there is speculations of IPL might take place later, especially in September-October, although BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had rubbished the idea, citing it’s “too premature” to talk about this now since the increasing concerns of the Covid-19 crisis in the country which has affected more than 11,000 people in the country so far while over 370 people have lost their lives too because of this virus.

On the other hand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ehsan Mani said that he has heard the speculations about Asia Cup being cancelled for IPL 2020 in September and said that they wouldn’t agree in such moves. However, Pakistan will host the tournament which was proposed to take place in Dubai.

"I have read and heard about these speculations but right now just remember that having or not having the Asia Cup is not a decision between Pakistan and India it involves other countries as well," Ehsan Mani added.

"...it is important to have the Asia Cup if cricket activities resume by then because development of Asian cricket depends on funding from the tournament. It is important for many countries who are members of the Asian Cricket Council,” Mani concluded.