Pat Cummins says he is ‘super hopeful’ IPL 2020 proceed this year despite COVID-19

Cumminssays getting the IPL nearing it would also be an important example of the world returning to normal after the pandemic.

Australian pace bowler Pat Cummins is “super hopeful” that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will go ahead this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic, even if it means matches are initially played in empty stadiums.

The start of the Twenty20 tournament, originally scheduled for 29 March, has been deferred to 15 April and another postponement looks inevitable as India locks down to prevent the spread of the virus.

Cummins has good reason to want the IPL to get underway having attracted a bid of $2.18 million from the Kolkata Knight Riders in the competition’s annual auction, a record for a non-Indian player.

The ICC Test player of the year, however, says getting the league underway would also be an important illustration of the world returning to normal after the pandemic.