12BET India: “No play, no pay” if IPL cancels says officials

The future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season set to commence March 29 and later moved to April 15, remains a major doubt as the country placed on 21 day lockdown and worldwide travel restrictions are yet to be waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India has reported nearly 1,400 cases of the virus with over 30 fatalities at the time of writing.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sourav Ganguly said, “Nothing has been decided yet. There is no clarity” following the nationwide lockdown. “Things remain as it was on (March 14), when we decided to postpone the IPL (to April 15). Since then nothing has changed. So, there is no update,” Ganguly added.

Meanwhile, a senior IPL official told a news portal says, “The system of IPL payments is that 15% is paid a week before the tournament starts. 65% more is paid during the tournament. The remaining 20% is paid within a stipulated time after the tournament ends”. He also said that the BCCI has their guidelines and “obviously, no player will be paid as of now”.

This leaves BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and the rest of the board members with a huge task to ease the financial burden of both the players and the league. Right now, BCCI is looking at an alternate window as chances of a shortened IPL in May. Reports also claim that the board are aiming for the window of October-November to organize the IPL.

The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) President Ashok Malhotra also claimed that cancelling the season is a huge blow to the economy that domestic cricketers may have to accept the pay cuts with huge amount of losses. However, the BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal revealed that pay cuts haven’t been a part of discussion as yet. It’s very difficult to do calculations and estimate losses,” he said.

Another franchise official told that the salaries of the players are not insured for a pandemic. “We won’t get any money from insurance company as pandemic is not covered in the clause. Each franchise has salary overheads ranging between Rs 75 to 85 crore.” the official said. How can we pay if there’s no action,” he asked.

“From English Premier League, La Liga to Bundesliga, players are taking pay cuts. Also there is no certainty anywhere as to when things will get normal,” the official added. Players in England and Australia have already agreed for a cut in the wages and the ICA chief believes Indian cricket players could also be heading in that direction

“It’s not just the Dhonis and the Kohlis who will be affected. Surely they would feel the pinch but for many first-timers, the Rs 20, 40 or 60 lakh is serious life-changing money after all the hard work. Hope the BCCI has a plan in place,” he said. In contrary, former India Test player Malhotra asks for understanding as the situation requires practicality.

“The BCCI earns its money from cricket. If cricket is not happening, where will the money come from? We have to be sensible here. So, it’s not just international cricketers but domestic players will also be affected. It’s not the board’s fault. This is an unavoidable situation,” Malhotra said. Stay safe and bet from home as 12BET India offers alternative online betting games that will enjoy. Visit us today!