London: The resumption of IPL 2021 which was called off midway on 4th may due to rising corona cases, is looking bleak with each passing day. BCCI was pushing hard to get a window to conduct the cash-rich league but a recent statement of Ashley Giles has made it clear that the England cricket board is not going to slash any test match of the series to make way for the IPL 2021.
In a statement issued by managing director of England cricket board and former left-arm spinner Ashley Giles, the 5 test match series between India and England post World test championship final would be as it is and no changes will be made in the tour schedule on the request of BCCI.
Giles stated "We have to manage our schedule now, so we get our guys arriving in the best shape possible for the T20 World Cup and Ashes,”
"We are going to have to give some of these guys a break at some point. But the intention of giving guys a break for, say, Bangladesh, wouldn't be for them to go and play cricket elsewhere,"added Giles.
It is to be noted that the BCCI is in a constant hunt to kick start the suspended 14th edition of IPL again. However, the scenario is becoming difficult for the board. It requires a window of 22 to 23 days to conduct the remaining 31 matches of IPL with doubleheader matches.
The availability of foreign players is also a concern. For instance, Steve Smith who was sold for 1.5 crore to Delhi capitals will be least interested to come back and play but Glenn Maxwell who grabbed a whopping amount of 14.25 crore from RCB will have to play in order to avoid a threat of getting released for the next season.
It all boils down to the UAE where IPL 2020, the first season of the post covid era was conducted. (WD)
