BCCI has all the rights to organize IPL if T20 World Cup doesn't happen: Michael Holding

Even as the future of World T20 appears uncertain, former Windies pacer Michael Holding thinks that there is nothing wrong if the Indian Premier League fills in for the multination tournament in case the former is postponed. Holding’s comments come ahead of an important ICC meeting – scheduled for later this week - that might decide the fate of T20 World Cup.

Holding thinks that the idea of replacing the T20 World Cup might not be on ICC’s mind right now but if the tournament is not held the BCCI can push for using the same window to conduct the IPL.

“I don’t think ICC is delaying the T20 World Cup because they are making space for the IPL. It’s the Australian government’s law where they are not allowing any visitors into the country before a specific date,” Holding told journalist Nikhil Naz during Instagram Live.

“But if there is no T20 World Cup, the BCCI has all rights to go ahead and organize a domestic tournament because there’s a space. If they are encroaching on other people’s tournament, you could say okay.”

Sharing his views on another topical discussion – banning the use of saliva for the bowlers, Holding said, “First of all, I don’t think this saliva ban is a serious problem. The problem with this ban is that the cricketers will take some time to adjust. It’s a natural reaction when you are on the field and you want to shine the ball, you use saliva.”

“All you need to do is to get moisture on the ball and you can get that from your sweat. You don’t have to use the usual saliva. The perspiration from your arm or your forehead will do the same job as saliva. And I’ve not heard anyone say that COVID-19 can be spread by perspiration. I don’t think any practical problem in banning saliva. It’s just a logistical problem of people being accustomed to do it and will have to practice not doing it," he added further.