Shamik Chakrabarty
Until Sunday evening, the IPL franchises didn’t have a formal word as regards the resumption of the tournament. Some back-channel conversations happened, but teams are waiting for a formal communication from the cricket board. On Friday, the BCCI suspended the remainder of this year’s IPL “with immediate effect for one week”, in the wake of the cross-border conflict.
“No, we haven’t heard anything (officially) from the BCCI yet,” chief executive of an IPL franchise told RevSportz on Sunday. “All our players, Indian and overseas, have left for home. We haven’t contacted them yet. We will do that once we hear from the BCCI.”
After a ceasefire was announced in the cross-border skirmishes on Saturday, RevSportz had spoken to a top BCCI official about the possible resumption date of the IPL 2025. The response was: “We will review the situation tomorrow (Sunday).”
It is learnt that the BCCI is working on a possible resumption date, tentatively on May 17 or 18, if things go to plan. The revised itinerary, likely loaded with double-headers for the remaining 12 group league matches, might be finalised on Monday, in consultation with all the stakeholders. Of course, it is subject to the Indian government’s permission.
The challenge for the franchises would be to recall all their overseas players and coaching staff. It’s not only their international commitments that begin from next month — Australia and South Africa will play the World Test Championship final at Lord’s starting on June 11 — there’s also an apprehension that some foreign players might be uneasy in coming back despite a thaw in the conflict. Even after the ceasefire was announced on Saturday, Pakistan had violated it.
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Grapevine has it that one overseas batter of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has already informed his franchise that he is unlikely to return. RCB’s Australian fast bowler Josh Hazelwood, too, is in doubt after reportedly picking up a shoulder niggle. However, if a player refuses to return, he will not face any action, for this is a force majeure.
“We will not push anyone and will leave it to them,” said the CEO. “Yes, this is a force majeure, an unforeseen event which is beyond anyone’s control.”
A force majeure is a contractual clause that excuses individuals/parties from fulfilling their contracts in case of an extraordinary event that is beyond their control.
Ahead of this year’s IPL, the BCCI introduced a new rule, saying that if a player voluntarily withdraws from the tournament after being picked at the auction, he will be banned from participating in the auction/IPL for two seasons. Accordingly, Harry Brook, bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 6.2 crore at the mega auction, was handed a two-year ban after he pulled out of this year’s tournament.
A force majeure makes the rule redundant.