BCCI pressing ahead with IPL 2020 planning amid T20 World Cup uncertainty

With the ICC yet to confirm whether the men's tournament will take place in October and November, India's authorities are running out of patience

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The BCCI are proceeding with plans to stage the Indian Premier League before the end of 2020 as the ICC continue to dither over whether the men's T20 World Cup will go ahead.

Reports suggest cricket's world governing body will confirm the event, due to be staged in October and November, is to be postponed this week due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Though the ICC said they were planning for the showcase tournament to take place as scheduled as recently as last month, organisers Cricket Australia have said hosting the event this year is "unrealistic" and "unlikely".

Since being postponed indefinitely, the IPL have targetted staging the 13th edition of the competition before the end of the year - with a window in September, October or November among the options being explored.

And the BCCI have put world cricket on notice by suggesting they are pressing ahead with their plans for the remainder of the year.

"The year started on a horrible note and there's been no relief on any front," treasurer Arun Dhumal said, according to Times of India.

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"But as time goes by, we need to take things head on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. 

"Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead.

He added:"Those announcements and outcomes are not in our hands. The T20 World Cup, for instance, is being postponed so let the announcement come when it has to."

India has the third most cases of coronavirus in the world and while the BBCI want to stage the tournament at home, contingency plans are being considered.

The United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka are possible destinations, while an offer from New Zealand - where coronavirus was snuffed out effectively - has also been submitted.

A general election in 2009 saw the IPL staged in South Africa while part of the 2014 edition was taken to the UAE for the same reason.

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