IPL would be perfect preparation for World T20 if it can go ahead, says Australia coach Justin Langer
AUSTRALIA coach Justin Langer reckons the Indian Premier League would be perfect preparation for the World Twenty20 – if it goes ahead.
The IPL is the biggest T20 franchise league in the world with players from all over the world competing and mega bucks at stake.
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But this year’s tournament – postponed until April 15 – is in serious doubt after India was sent into a 21-day lockdown amid the coronavirus crisis.
And with the World T20 coming up on the calendar in October, Langer said the IPL would’ve been perfect preparation for everyone involved.
Australia have 15 players signed to Indian Premier League teams with star players Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell among those.
Langer told Fox Sports Australia: “Before this crisis started to unravel, we were absolutely determined for our guys to play the IPL.
“Because with the T20 World Cup coming up, there’s no better grounding, no better practice, no better tournament for them to get ready for that.
“But obviously things have changed a lot. The health of not only our individual players, but also our country and India as a whole is paramount here.”
England’s Ben Stokes, meanwhile, said he has no option but to prepare as normal with a decision on the tournament yet to be made.
IPL bosses are dragging their feet with the competition still scheduled to begin on April 15 – one day after India’s lockdown ends.
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He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “At the moment my next competitive cricket is going to be in the IPL.
“I have to get my head round that I am playing even though in the back of my mind I know I am probably not.
“I have to build up and get myself physically in a position that if it does happen I am good to go.
“I cannot take three weeks off and expect the body to be ready for 20 April because it doesn’t work like that. It might happen and if it does I don’t want to be behind.”