"I don’t feel IPL will be possible this year": India and KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami on Thursday said that he doesn’t see the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 happening this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the yearly T20 tournament has been postponed indefinitely and there are question marks over the possibility of holding it in an alternate window.  Shami was supposed to play for Kings XI Punjab after being retained by the franchise before the auction that took place in Kolkata in December 2019.

Shami, during an Instagram Live session, said that he doesn’t think there’s enough time for IPL this year while adding that the T20 World Cup may also get postponed. Shami said that with many bilateral series and events getting cancelled, cricket calendar needs to be shuffled. 

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“I was speaking to Irfan bhai as well on the possibilities of Indian Premier League. I don’t think there is time for IPL this year. Our T20I World Cup may also get pushed. Everything has come to a stop. We have to reschedule everything. We have to see where to place everything, accordingly. Hence, I don’t feel the IPL will be possible,” he said.

However, Shami is of the view that if lockdown ends early then IPL 2020 can be held later in the year. The Indian pacer added that IPL could provide a platform for players to get into the rhythm and regain their form before the T20 World Cup.

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“We have to wait and see how long our lockdown lasts. If our lockdown gets over early, then we may see IPL happen this year - even though later in the year. It will be great if IPL happens before the T20 World Cup, as the players can get used to the format, and also get back to their rhythm.”

Like to Ajinkya Rahane, Shami also feels players would need at least a month to get back into shape and match-day rhythm. 

“The sports person’s body needs to get used to the scenario. Every player needs time to get the groove and rhythm back. Players need at least a month to get back into shape. 95 per cent of my sports stars are stuck inside their house. They cannot do many activities. So, they need time to get back on the field,” he said.