On Friday, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner, Ness Wadia acknowledged that during the IPL 2020, all the players will be tested daily during the upcoming edition in the UAE. He also predicted that it will be the most-watched season in the tournament’s history. Wadia’s comments came after IPL chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed that the T20 league will be taking place between September 19 and November 8.

All teams are now awaiting the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from the BCCI, which can be expected to be finalized in the IPL Governing Council meeting next week. Talking about the same to PTI, Wadia said, “Strict safety protocols have to be put in place both for off-field and on-field activities to make the IPL safe and successful. I would want as much testing as possible and preferably daily. If I was a cricketer, I would be very happy in getting myself tested every day.”

It is pretty clear that it will be difficult for IPL to maintain a bio-secure environment like the England and Wales Cricket Board has managed for the ongoing Test series against the West Indies where both teh teams can be seen starting at the same venue. 

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The logistical challenges are much bigger for the cash-rich league. The organizers wouldn’t even require that in the UAE, where a negative coronavirus test report is all that is needed.

Talking about the same, Wadia said, “Bio-secure is something that should be very seriously considered but doesn’t know if it can be implemented in an eight-team tournament. We are waiting for the SOPs from the BCCI. UAE also has a very high testing rate (472,575 per million) and they have all the technology at their disposal. The BCCI will need the help of the local government in ensuring adequate testing is done.”

Finding sponsors in the current financially capricious environment can be an issue for teams but Wadia reckons that the benefits to be associated with the IPL this year are too good to be missed out on.

Explaining the same, KXIP owner said, “I would be surprised if this IPL is not the most-watched ever. I am talking worldwide and not only India. Therefore, the benefit to sponsors would be tremendous and I am sure they will see it that way. The benefit to them will be more than previous editions considering more people will tune in to watch fresh live sport.”

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Wadia also hoped that the BCCI will be compensating teams suitably if the tournament is played in front of empty stands, denying them revenue from gate money.

Wadia elaborated, “The IPL will bring much-needed optimism to the pessimism we live in today. Credit to the BCCI to have a found a window in the current scenario. I do hope that the BCCI will look at compensating all teams (in case there is no gate money involved).”