Open to playing IPL if World T20 is postponed, reveals Steve Smith

With the decision yet to be taken regarding the T20 World Cup, there have been unconfirmed reports stating that Cricket Australia and ICC mutually agreed to push the World Cup in 2022, with India hosting the 2021 edition as originally planned. If that happens, that might open up space in the calendar for the BCCI to organise a shortened IPL which has now been postponed due to the unprecedented outbreak that the world has found itself in.

Steve Smith, who was appointed the full-time skipper of Rajasthan Royals, in such a case, is open to playing in the league if the postponement of the World T20 actually happens.

"When you're playing for your country in the World Cup, that's the pinnacle for one-day or T20 cricket. I'll, of course, prefer playing in that but if that doesn't happen and the IPL is there and they postpone it then so be it. IPL is also a terrific tournament as a domestic tournament. It's out of everyone's control. Players are doing what we're told, going where we are asked to go and play whatever is on at that stage," Smith was quoted as saying by PTI.

The ICC Cricket Committee first proposed the change to the cricket regulations by banning saliva to shine the ball and allowed sweat as a substitute. While that was done in order to keep the sport safe, it has found opposition from many bowlers, who feel that one component of their bowling is gone. Smith is in agreement with the idea and stated that cricket needs to strike a balance.

"I've always been one to want a fair contest between bat and ball and if that's taken away, even as a batter, I don't think it's great. Whether they can find other ways with certain things. I actually spit on my hands most balls, and that's how I get my grip. So it might take some adjusting," he said.