'T20 World Cup likely to be postponed, no IPL this year' - Shoaib Akhtar gives his take as COVID-19 continues to hit sporting world

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar remains to be one of the most active cricketers to be vocal about the issues surrounding COVID-19 and cricket post the pandemic. While Akhtar was the one to propose a bilateral series between India and Pakistan to raise funds to combat the dreaded virus, the Rawalpindi Express has now given his take on the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) and ICC T20 World Cup.

IPL 2020 was postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas there has been no call taken on the T20 World Cup with speculations surrounding the showpiece event continues to garner eyeballs.

ALSO READ:Pakistan's Umar Akmal banned for 3 years from all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption code

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Now, Akhtar has said that the T20 World Cup is likely to be postponeddue to coronavirus while adding that he feels there will be no IPL this year as well. Akhtar further said it is the best time for cricketers to work on their immune system and come back with the same intensity once the action resumes.

“T20 World Cup, starting October 18 is likely to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I also feel that there will be no IPL this year due to the pandemic. But this break is the best time for the cricketers to work on their immune system and get back with the same intensity and vigour when the sporting action resumes,” Shoaib Akhtar told fans during his live session.

ALSO READ:RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers put memorabilia from IPL 2016 on auction to raise funds in battle against COVID-19

Akthar further praised the Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi-led Indian government for being quick to enforce a country-wide lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, Akhtar once again reiterated that it is high time to have a good bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan through sport.

“It is high time when we can have a good bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan through sport. Lockdown was the best decision taken by the Modi-led government in India. That is the only way you can contain a pandemic like this,” the Rawalpindi Express added.