A player who possessed an immense class and flamboyant strokeplay, Kevin Pietersen was a joy to watch. Making his debut in 2004, Pietersen became a mainstay in the England team in a very short space of time.
However, a career that started on a bright note didn’t end in the same fashion, thanks to the Text-Gate Scandal happened in 2013-14 Ashes as he couldn’t get to represent England after that.
The England cricketer, today, is a famed commentator but is currently spending his time at home because of the Coronavirus outbreak which has put to every sporting activity to a halt.
All the cricket tournaments have either been suspended or called-off in the light of the COVID-19. World’s most popular T20 franchise tournament, Indian Premier League which was scheduled to begin from 29th March, also got postponed until 15th April.
Given the current situation across the globe, it’s unlikely for IPL to start at the rescheduled date.
Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen has proposed for a tournament to be played behind closed doors at three safe venues. The England cricketer is not in favour of playing the matches in front of packed stadiums as it can lead to further transmission of the disease.
“Let’s say July-August is the earliest, I do truly believe the IPL should happen,” Pietersen said on Star Sports Cricket Connected, adding, “I do believe it is the kick-start to the cricket season. I think every single player around the world is desperate to play the IPL.
“There could be a way in which to get some money into the franchises, into the economy by having a situation where you use maybe three venues which are completely closed to fans and the players can still go out and play the tournament in three weeks or in four weeks.”
“I don’t think the fans need to be risked in this situation. I think the fans need to understand they can’t watch a live game at the moment and they might not be able to watch a live game for the foreseeable future. [But] what would you guys give right now, to watch Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings right now?”
