IPL a much-needed chaos in our lives in the time of Covid: Ravi Shastri

The BCCI has shifted the IPL to UAE where 60 games will be held in 51 days starting from September 19 to November 10

Ravi Shastri, head coach
File Photo of Ravi Shastri during a press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.
Press Trust of India
2 min read Last Updated : Aug 18 2020 | 9:57 PM IST

India's head coach Ravi Shastri feels that IPL in the United Arab Emirates is the "much needed chaos" that everyone needs in these times when Covid-19 has literally brought the world to a grinding halt during first half of the year.

The BCCI has shifted the IPL to UAE where 60 games will be held in 51 days starting from September 19 to November 10.

"You know with this Covid thing happening, once this IPL starts in the UAE, you will see that chaos back again, which is much needed," Shstri said during webinar Arabian Sea Dialogue' organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

Shastri said that UAE in 2014 had shown that it is well capable of handling a tournament of this magnitude.

"It is a great gesture by Indian government to take cricket to the UAE and the UAE government in responding (to it). I remember, in 2014, when the IPL came there (to the UAE), his Excellency did not leave one stone unturned and ensured that it was a top-class IPL and the public responded brilliantly," Shastri said.

Shastri said that in these depressing times when most people are not able to venture out of their homes due to safety reasons, IPL is an enjoyment and welcome distraction for 51 days.in these times

"It's been depressing, it been unforeseen, the world hasn't seen anything like this since the second World war, to just get some sport action, back on television, day in and day out will lift the spirits of a lot of people and it is much needed at this moment of time," Shastri said.

IPL is one big party that he simply can't wait to get started.

"So I think, it's going to be one helluva party and I am so happy that it's gone to the UAE, because they put up such a good show last time around.

"They know now what to expect when we come with the IPL and the eight teams and I think it's (IPL) going to be a runaway success Covid or no Covid.

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :IPL 2020Ravi ShastriUAEBCCI

Next Story