Sydney: Australia coach Justin Langer believes that once conditions are safe and the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic ends, cricket should resume behind closed doors because that will give fans something to rejoice as they are now faced with a situation where there is no sporting action happening.
“You played it because you loved playing the game, you loved playing with your mates and you loved playing the game.”For the love of the game, and for still being able to entertain people through TV sets or radio, then there’s value in (playing behind closed doors). Yes it’s different, but we’ll never, ever, ever take for granted how lucky we are ever again.”
BCCI is now also looking at the October-November window to host the IPL.
But the move can only be possible if the ICC decides to postpone the World T20 that is to be held later in the year. IPL franchises, on their part, have decided that they will have the next meeting only after the government comes up with a fresh advisory on or after April 14.
A left-handed batsman, Langer is best known for his partnership with Matthew Hayden as Australia’s test opening batsmen during the early and mid-2000s, considered one of the most successful ever.
Representing Western Australia domestically, Langer played English county cricket for Middlesex and Somerset, and holds the record for the most runs scored at first-class level by an Australian.
In 2016, Justin Langer became interim coach for the Australian team while then coach Darren Lehmann took leave to scout for the Ashes and away matches late in 2016.
On 3 May 2018, Langer was announced as coach of the Australian national cricket team. (IANS)
