NZC Will Need To Balance Domestic Schedule If IPL 2020 Is Held In October – Ish Sodhi

The 13th season of Indian Premier League is still hanging by a single string. While there are rumours about it not taking place in 2020, few players are of the opinion that if things can moved around, then the tournament can still take place. Ish Sodhi, New Zealand Cricketer and Royal Rajasthan’s spin consultant is one of them.

NZC might have to modify their domestic season if IPL 2020 goes ahead

The first debate was between whether T20 World Cup or IPL 2020 be held during the latter part of the year. Even though nothing is specified, if it’s IPL 2030, then T20 World Cup will probably be played in 2021 or get cancelled.

Next, New Zealand’s schedule for the latter of the year is occupied by their domestic season. Therefore, if IPL 2020 does take place, then New Zealand Cricket will have to move things around.

There are seven players from New Zealand who were scheduled to play at IPL 2020

1. Ish Sodhi (Rajasthan Royals)

2. Jimmy Neesham (Kings XI Punjab)

3. Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders)

4. Mitchell McClenaghan (Mumbai Indians)

5. Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians)

6. Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

7. Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings)

So, if NZC wants their players to play both international cricket and in IPL 2020, then the only option is to postpone or reduce the domestic cricket.

Ish Sodhi gives his opinion about what NZC might do

According to Sodhi, “Cricket is New Zealand’s summer game that starts in October and ends in April. I don’t know but if IPL is held in October-November, then New Zealand Cricket (NZC) needs to find out a way to balance their domestic calendar also.”

Furthermore, Ish Sodhi said that NZC has always kept a window separate for the IPL. The committee  definitely wants their best players to be a part of the domestic season. However, they also want their players to play in IPL. Given that it is probably one of the most T20 leagues globally.

“NZC over the past few years has kept a dedicated window for IPL. Again, you want your best players to play domestic cricket and at the same time you don’t want them to lose out on an opportunity to play the Indian Premier League, which is easily the best T20 league in the world.”