Former Indian captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar feels that India and Australia should swap their World Cup duties due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Speaking to India today, the legendary batsman, said if both the boards come to an agreement, it might open the gateway to host the Indian Premier League too which is currently ‘postponed indefinitely’ in view of the novel Coronavirus outbreak.
A Win-Win Proposal For Both The Nations
Gavaskar’s proposal comes at time when sporting activities around the globe have come to halt due to the pandemic with uncertainty hovering over events like T20 World cup.
With two T20 World cup scheduled in successive years, Gavaskar thinks that India and Australia Should alter the hosting duty of the tournament.
“Next year the T20 World Cup is in India. If India and Australia come to an agreement and the COVID-19 curve in India flattens out, they can swap. It can be held in India this October-November and next year in Australia around the same time” said Gavaskar to India Today.
Explaining the Idea behind the thought, the former Indian captain pointed out that Australia has barred foreigners from entering the country till September 30, which at the moment, makes it difficult for the Australia to host the tournament in its scheduled time.
A Gateway For IPL
IPL too can be held this year itself If the proposal changes to a deal, believes Gavaskar. Although, BCCI has postponed the 13th edition of the cricket carnival, the proposal might open a gateway to host the much awaited league in the September Window.
“If it (T20 WC swap) happens that way, IPL is just held prior to T20 World Cup so there is enough practice for the players. Then you can have T20 World Cup in November and Asia Cup in December in UAE. December is a much better time to host a tournament in the UAE,” said the former India captain.
Asia Cup Should Be Deferred Till December
If both the boards come to an agreement, the continental tournament should be postponed till December, suggests the little master. The Asia Cup currently, is set to be held in UAE in the month of September with Pakistan having its hosting right.
“The Asia Cup can be held in December in the UAE. That’s a much better time to have the tournament than in September when it can be extremely hot,” said Gavaskar ahead of the ICC meeting which is going to be held on Thursday.
The apex governing body of the cricket, on Thursday, will review the road map for this year’s cricketing activities and events. ICC chief Manu Sawhney, ahead of the meeting said, “We will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government.”
However, it is still not clear that Indian and Australian Cricket board along with ICC, would discuss the Swapping Proposal or they have some other plans for the resumption of Cricket. Whatever, the case may be, cricket enthusiasts keen to witness some cricket, hence expecting some positive news amid the Pandemic.
Follow us on facebook for sports news & updates