No IPL without foreign stars, still too early for BCCI to finalise dates: Ness Wadia

IPL is a tournament with global appeal and it does t make sense to host it without foreign stars, says Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia, who also feels that it's too early for BCCI to decide on fate of T20 league, given unpredictability caused by COVID-19 pandemic.  BCCI is looking at September-October window for hosting IPL, which has been postponed indefinitely due to pandemic.  possibility of conducting League increases significantly if T20 World Cup doesn't go ahead as scheduled in October-vember in Australia.

'IPL can't happen without foreign stars'

Franchisees have expressed mixed opinions on how y would want cash-rich event to be organised this year with Rajasthan Royals proposing an IPL of only Indian players, considering travel restrictions in place. Three-time champions Chennai Super Kings have already rejected Royals' idea and w Kings XI Punjab too have echoed same sentiment. 

"IPL is an international tournament made by Indians. It is premier cricketing event in world, refore it needs an international platform and international stars," Wadia told PTI. 

"But it remains to be seen which of foreign players are allowed to travel at that time (considering restrictions). I feel re are too many variables for BCCI at moment to even have a calculated guess on when it might happen.  "What if tomorrrow cases keep rising, what happens n? It would be unwise to think of anything or than COVID-19 for moment," he said.

With some experts pointing that pandemic is likely to peak in India in July-August, Wadia said it is premature to talk about IPL.  " most important thing for all of us is to deal with current situation. It  could last ar month or two, may be more. Once virus diminishes, n we can have more clarity on when IPL can be held and where it can be held.  "I am surely Indian audience will happy to see IPL after what we have been through. Football in Germany has already started and EPL is starting soon but y have already peaked while we have t.  "I see possibility of IPL happening but it is all about combatting virus for next two months at least," added Wadia. BCCI faces a loss of Rs 4000 crore if IPL doesn't take place this year. 

Im credits: PTI