Harsha Bhogle, CommentatorQ. How do you envisage cricket post-lockdown, particularly the T20 World Cup later this year?It depends on when we are in a position to restart. I think sport will emerge stronger in terms of spectator involvement because it is one of the very few feel-good activities around. But sport depends on sponsor investment and that will be linked to the slowdown and possible reduction in demand. In India, cricket will come back very strongly, but given the limited scope for investment, other sports could suffer. The T20 World Cup and the IPL were to be the highlights of the year, and I hope we aren’t in a situation where we have only one possible.Q. What will be the impact of the suspension of IPL?.preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}There will be a search for another window. The IPL is a sporting juggernaut, but it is also a great provider. Not just for players, but for freelancers, event staff, technical crew. For a very large number of people, it’s peak income period. The BCCI’s finances, too, are built around a successful IPL season, so they will try their best to find a window. I foresee support from players around the world. We are already seeing that.Q. How do you think teams can regroup after this lull?They will struggle, but given that everyone is in the same boat, it will be a level playing field. But primarily, the players will want to stay fit.Published By: Iram Ara IbrahimPublished On: Apr 25, 2020--- ENDS ---
