BSP-05 Cummins backs IPL to replace a delayed World Cup

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ZCZC

BSP-05

CRICKET-VIRUS-AUSTRALIA

Cummins backs IPL to replace a delayed World Cup

SYDNEY, May 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – The Indian Premier League could fill the
void left by the Twenty20 World Cup if it is delayed by the coronavirus
pandemic, Aussie cricketer Pat Cummins said Wednesday.

Due to begin in Australia in October, the T20 competition’s start is
looking increasingly unlikely amid virus-related travel restrictions.

“If that opens up a window I think the IPL would be a great fit,” Cummins
told media in Sydney.

He remained optimistic that the World Cup and Australian tour of England
would go ahead, but if those were cancelled at least a return of T20 could be
a boost to the game.

“You have millions and millions of people watching that tournament around
the world… potentially even more after a long break off cricket,” he said.

“There’s a lot of reasons why I would want it to go ahead but the main one
is it’s a great tournament.”

The coronavirus forced the money-spinning IPL to postpone its March 29
start date and organisers were already reportedly eyeing a return around
October.

Cummins said he was eager to return to play after nearly a ten-week break
from the sport.

“I’m just about ready to get back into it and ready for that next tour,” he
said.

A decision on whether to postpone the World Cup could come from Thursday’s
ICC board meeting over concerns of flying 16 teams into Australia during the
crisis.

BSS/AFP/MMA/1545HRS