IPL 2020: The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has already created a lot of mystery due to uncertainties over its staging this year. With the threat of coronavirus that continues to loom over sports globally, possibilities arise with IPL getting canceled this year. IPL, which is usually a two-month long extravaganza in cricket, is regarded as one of the most followed cricketing even in the sport. Apart from the entertainment factor, IPL is even a major source of finance upthrust for BCCI and the players in general.
Players, from all over the world, express a desire to feature in this cash-rich league. Not only does IPL reward performances, but it can also act as a pedestal for players to shape an enriched cricketing career ahead. While news about IPL being canceled continues to surface in the cricketing domains, there’s a huge amount of money that is at stake. Even the players will have to bear the financial consequences if IPL 2020 is canceled.
Here, we take a look at 4 players who will lose out on big money if IPL 2020 stands canceled or suspended:
1. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore):
RCB skipper Virat Kohli is the highest-earning cricketer in the history of the IPL. Kohli, who was retained by the Bangalore-based franchise in IPL auction 2018, will lose out on 17 crores as his contracted pay if the upcoming edition of the league is canceled. It will be a huge loss for the Indian captain as he will have to relinquish a good chunk of his annual earnings in 2020.
2. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings):
If there’s one player who will desperately want IPL 2020 to proceed as scheduled, it will surely be CSK skipper, MS Dhoni. The 38-year old began his preparations for the upcoming edition from the first week of March. After being out of any action for nearly eight months, Dhoni viewed the forthcoming IPL season as an opportunity to break into India’s T20 World Cup squad in 2020. However, as things stand, it will be much difficult for the veteran to stake a claim for a spot in the Indian squad for the mega-tournament in Australia 2020.
Apart from this, Dhoni will also incur a financial loss of 15 Crores through his IPL contract which was re-established with CSK in IPL auction 2018. Dhoni and the CSK fans would be hoping for their Thala to don the Yellow jersey and take the field for CSK even in IPL this year.
3. Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians):
Mumbai Indians’ skipper Rohit Sharma is also among one of the highest-paid cricketers in IPL. Sharma, who has been a part of the MI family since IPL 2011, has changed fortunes for the franchise ever since he was nominated the skipper mid-season in IPL 2013. With four IPL trophies in the last eight years, MI has come a long way to be called as the most successful IPL franchise. A fair share of their success can be credited to Rohit Sharma, who has led them exceedingly well in the past seven years.
The cancellation of IPL 2020 won’t be happy signs even for Rohit. With a total amount of 15 crores at stake, Sharma will not only want to lead MI in IPL 2020 but will be hoping to defend their IPL title this year.
4. Pat Cummins (Kolkata Knight Riders):
Pat Cummins was the most sought-after player during the IPL auction 2020. The Australian pacer racked up dollars after he was bought for a whopping auction price of 15.5 Crores by Kolkata Knight Riders in December last year. However, if the IPL is canceled this year, not only will Cummins lose an opportunity to represent his former franchise in the IPL but will have to forego his IPL contract with KKR this year.
