Former Indian batsmen Sunil Gavaskar and VVS Laxman said that the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) should take place in empty stadiums if that is safe and fulfil everyone’s interest. Gavaskar further said that there is an example of a cricket match which was being played behind closed doors in India.

“There is one example of an India-Pakistan match played in front of empty stands in Eden Gardens Kolkata after Sachin (Tendulkar) got run out and there was unrest in the crowd,” Sunil Gavaskar said in a pre-match show for Star Sports.

“I think the game was stopped on that particular day but the next day it was continued in front of empty stands. So there is a precedent as far Indian cricket is concerned. So clearly if it has to happen then it can happen. Whatever it is the best for everyone that has to be taken into account. And if it’s best for everyone to play in front of empty stands, so be it,” he again added.

Read here: Brian Lara Reveals the Name of His Favourite Player

VVS Laxman also backed the idea of playing the IPL behind closed doors.

“As long as it is not risky for players, the support staff, broadcasters, camera persons the tournament can go on and playing in front of empty stands is not a problem,” he said. “You see the way IPL is followed, millions of people watch it on TV whereas the spectators who come to the ground will be around 30-40 thousand, based on the capacity of the ground,” the great batsman said.

“Yes, as cricketers you want to play in front of a large crowd but eventually, if it is risky then we are better off playing in empty stands, making sure everyone’s well being is taken care of and the people sitting in their drawing rooms can enjoy the live action,” he further shared.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided to push back the start of the Indian Premier League this year to April 15 which was earlier decided to begin from March 29.