IPL would give some match time to Virat Kohli and the boys: Ravi Shashtri

Team India Head Coach, Ravi Shastri, believes that the IPL can bring “two positive aspects” for the game.

Speaking to Gulf News, Ravi Shastri said that hosting the Dream11 IPL 2020 will be an opportunity for the UAE to become a cricket hub. “The IPL has two big positive aspects about it: firstly, the players get a chance to get back on the ground and then, it offers the UAE a chance to make a big statement if they can pull it off without a hitch.”

Shastri explained why he thinks that the UAE has the potential to become a big player in cricket. “I had said during the 2014 edition of IPL here that it’s just the right choice if the IPL had to ever move overseas – because of the excellent infrastructure and an overwhelming number of Indian expats here. As things stand out, there are not too many countries in the world now which can safely host international matches in view of the COVID-19 situation.”

The 57-year-old claims that the middle-eastern nation can be considered as a top candidate to host major ICC events and bilateral series.

“If all goes well, then UAE should be in the running to host any major ICC event as well as bilateral series in future,’’ Shastri added.

“Here we are talking about not playing cricket for five months, the sport had come to a halt for six years during World War II. Nobody saw it coming, it was a shock to the system which destroyed so many lives and livelihood…what can you do about it!’ said an animated Shastri.

“All the Indian players have been out of action for the last five months, while there is no home and away advantage as well. The good thing is they are starting with the T-20 format and not Test matches, which gets over in just over three hours,’’ said Shastri when asked about which IPL team holds the advantage.

The Indian coach concluded by saying, “The IPL could not have come at a better time as it would give some match time to Virat Kohli and the boys.”

[With Gulf News inputs]