IPL brings a lot of positivity, hope it goes ahead: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan (IANS)

New Delhi, May 24:  Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has said that holding the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will make a 'huge impact' as the freeze on the cricket calendar continues amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Hopefully, the IPL will happen. I always think in a positive manner. It will be really good if the tournament goes ahead... the security of everyone will need to be taken care of. If it happens, it will be really good as it brings a lot of positivity," Dhawan told Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews in an Instagram live video chat.

"It's very important that some sports return to improve the environment and mood... it will have a huge impact if the IPL returns," he added.

Playing matches behind closed doors has been suggested as an option as authorities continue to work hard towards resumption of the sport. Before coronavirus abruptly halted circket in March, Australia played New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) without spectators.

"Obviously, we are going to miss playing in front of a huge crowd if tournaments take place behind closed doors, the fans bring their own charm and aura, but at the same time, it would be an opportunity as we have been sitting at our homes for two months now," said Dhawan.

"Once we go back, we all will be very hungry to play and perform for our teams, it is going to be good fun, at the end of the day, when we are playing, it is always a good feeling," he added.