Shoaib Akhtar, the former fast bowler, believes the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be postponed because of the appalling situation in India as a result of the pandemic of COVID-19. Akhtar said Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 should also be postponed because of the virus, scheduled for re-establishment on 1 June.
Akhtar said that the pandemic has hit citizens of both countries and the authorities should realise that cricket is not more important than life for people.
He added that the money spent on tournaments can be more effectively used to save many lives, which are struggling with COVID-19 every day.
Akhtar said, “The situation in India is devastating. If it cannot continue without stringent SOPs, they have to put an end to the IPL, but otherwise, it must be postponed because India is burning. Because PSL has been delayed, I am not saying that. I also don’t think that in June PSL should be held.”
“IPL is not important and the funds used to buy oxygen tanks can be used better. That can save people from their deaths. Cricket, heroes and entertainment are not necessary at this time. In India and Pakistan, we want to save lives. I use those powerful words because people’s lives are in jeopardy,” he says.
Akhtar has also urged the people of Pakistan to adhere to the SOPs and to avoid the virus. He also asked the Government to implement a curfew, as the situation is not taken seriously by the people.
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