IPL can be held before the T20 World Cup: Sunil Gavaskar

The whole world is at a standstill due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suspended the IPL until further notice. Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (April 23) will review contingency plans for this year's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.

Former Indian captain and batting icon, Sunil Gavaskar has suggested a range of proposals for both the ICC and the BCCI to host the annual tournaments in September, given that the COVID-19 curve flattens in India.

"At the moment, as we all know, Australia has barred foreigners from entering the country till the 30th of September. The tournament is starting from mid-October or the 3rd week of October, so it's looking a bit difficult at the moment," said Sunil Gavaskar.

The little master believes if a mutual agreement between Indian and Australian boards can be established considering the COVID-19 curve has flattened, the tournaments can happen this year.

"If it can be done... next T20 World Cup is in India. If it can be done... where India and Australia come to an agreement... In case the curve in India flattens out and India and Australia swap... so the T20 World Cup is in India in October-November this year and Australia next, then it can happen,” he said.

Playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be the best preparation for players before representing their nations in the T20 World Cup.

"If it is going to happen that way, then maybe what can happen is the IPL can be held just prior to the T20 World Cup so that it's enough practice for the players to have T20 World Cup,” he added.