IPL chairman Arun Dhumal is hopeful that foreign players, who have flown back home, will be back when the league resumes. However, he said a decision on restarting the IPL will be taken only after consulting the government. In a chat with The Indian Express, Dhumal spoke about the reason for stopping the game in Dharamsala mid-way and getting a special train for the cricketers to travel to Delhi.
With ceasefire being announced, what is the future of the ?
Arun Dhumal: Ceasefire has just been announced. We will explore the possibility of resuming the IPL. We need to work out the venue, dates and everything. We will speak to all the stakeholders, including team owners, broadcasters, and everyone involved and to find a way to move forward. Most importantly, we will have to consult with the government.
On Thursday, the match in Dharamsala had to be called off mid-way. What happened behind the scenes?
Arun Dhumal: It was a challenge to take a call given the situation we were in. We had discussions with the district administration and state administration beforehand about the possibility of evacuating fans and how to go about it. But we were all hoping things would get better so that is why we started the game between and . But there were reports coming in through social media, so we didn’t want any situation where fans panicked in the stadium. It was prudent that we stop the game and get fans out of the stadium. As a precaution, we called off the game mid-way because there was so much misinformation flowing. There were 25,000 fans inside the stadium, plus cricketers from two teams and other stakeholders.
There was a small break (during the game) and we had a discussion with the district commissioner, the deputy Commissioner, the senior authorities and people higher up. We spoke about the next step. I went and spoke to people in the team management of both teams and appraised them about the situation. Then I went to the ground and requested all the fans to keep moving. Local administration were getting reports about incidents (air raid sirens) taking place.
There was a sense of insecurity among the players. How did you assure them of their safety?
Arun Dhumal: We were in regular touch with the team management. Everyone was speaking to their families back home. Even before the game we spoke to them (both the teams), and we reassured them that their safety and security is paramount to us. They were ready to play the game. The game happened but with the situation at the border being tense, we thought it would not be appropriate (to continue the game) in case rumours spread and fans panicked.
The next step was to get the players out of Dharamsala. How did you plan that?
Arun Dhumal: It would have taken a long time for the cricketers to travel by road. So the train was the best and most comfortable option. We also had to look at the best option in terms of the departure station. The players also had a lot of luggage. Thanks to Indian Railways because they sent a special train.
Many foreign players have flown back home, what if they don’t decide to come back?
Arun Dhumal: I am sure foreign players would want to come back and be part of the tournament. As the IPL was suspended for one week, everybody wanted to go back to their loved ones. We will review the situation and accordingly keep all the stakeholders informed, including our franchise owners.
There are reports that England is open to hosting IPL after border tension?
Arun Dhumal: I’m also hearing this. But we have not had any talks with them. I’m glad countries are willing to host this premier tournament.
