Delhi Capitals Chairman and Co-owner Parth Jindal believes the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), even if it held behind closed doors, can play a huge role in uplifting the spirits of the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The league, which was due to start on March 29, currently stands indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"COVID-19 has put LIVE sport in a difficult spot, especially in terms of fan engagement. The need for LIVE sport has never been felt in this way before, and it's vital to bring it back to heighten the morale of the population," Jindal said while speaking during a live chat with the Delhi Capitals' official Instagram handle on Wednesday.
"Globally, there are countries worse affected than India who are gradually resuming their national leagues – like the Premier League in England, and Bundesliga in Germany. Talks have begun on the NBA's comeback in America too. I feel the IPL has a huge role in uplifting the spirits of the country."
"There can be no substitute for LIVE sport. Fans may not have access to stadiums this year, but that will give the franchises and broadcasters an opportunity to innovate their fan engagement even more," he added.
The T20 World Cup is slated to take place in Australia in October and November, but due to the coronavirus pandemic the global tournament is most likely to be postponed. And BCCI is looking at a end-September to early-November window for the cash-rich league. (ALSO READ: Brian Lara 'admitted' he had problems facing me: Hafeez)
Remembering the 2019 season, in which the team reached the playoffs after a long gap, Jindal gave credit to the Ricky Ponting-Sourav Ganguly duo that was at the helm of affairs.
"2019 was about setting standards, and creating a culture. And Ricky and Dada did a wonderful job of it, creating a fantastic team environment, and a unit that gelled well on and off the field.
"The idea was to build this team by maintaining consistency, so instead of frequent chop and change, we decided to back all our players even if they'd had a couple of bad games, and the results were there to see."
During the trading period, DC also got in two of India's most experienced campaigners, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin, into the mix, a decision Jindal believes will add tremendous firepower to the side.
"I believe Delhi Capitals has all the ingredients of becoming the IPL's most successful franchise. And the addition of Rahane and Ashwin makes us an even more potent side. It gives the captain and coach options for all possible situations," he said.
"Rahane is willing to bat at any position he's needed in, while Ashwin's bowling is well suited for the Kotla wicket. There's no doubt DC is the team to beat, and we need to build on from last year's success," he added.
