Is IPL likely to be played to crowded stands overseas? Read to know BCCI’s decision
One of the fallouts of scheduling due to COVID-19 was to conduct the Indian premier league (IPL) in April 2020. But now the September-October window has been earmarked for the tournament to be played and the chance can be taken as it will be only for the television. Before coming to any conclusions, Brijesh Patel, Governing Council Chairman told, he is waiting for the International Cricket Council(ICC) to make a formal announcement on the T20 World Cup.
The ICC was expected to take a final call on the T20 World Cup on May 28, which was then postponed to June 10 and is now scheduled for Monday, June 15.
“Right now, we are saying it’s tentative because finalities of the schedule can only be worked out once official confirmations arrive. Talks are going on with the league’s multiple stakeholders and we are all on board. So, it’s a matter of time before we start putting things in place,” said Brijesh Patel, Governing Council Chairman.
“The BCCI is waiting for the International Cricket Council( ICC) to call for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Australia from 18 October to 15 November.”
Patel also mentioned that there are chances of moving the tournament out of the country too if it is not possible to host it in India, taking into account, the situation of Covid-19 during September and October and consult with the government before making a final call.
As India is expected to travel to Australia the following month to undergo quarantine before the Test series begins Down Under, the tournament will have to begin in September and end in October.
“There are other aspects to be considered there,” said Patel. “Suppose we shift just the first leg out of the country, we will have to go through quarantine when we fly there. But we may probably also have to go through another quarantine when we are back for the India leg, if COVID doesn’t relent.” He added.
“Right now, we are not ruling out the idea of playing the whole tournament overseas,” Brijesh Patel mentioned.
Meanwhile, the Emirates Cricket Board(UAE) and Sri Lanka Cricket both have offered the BCCI to host the tournament if it shifts to overseas. However, UAE is a more practical choice for a variety of reasons. First, a leg of IPL has already been conducted there in 2014, and second, the grounds in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are far away from the city opening enough choices of reign in hospitality and the specified bio-secure zones. Lastly, the weather is likely to be more favorable there.
“It depends on how things stand. At that point of time, we have to act accordingly under the COVID-19 situation. We’ll then determine where to host it. India will be the first preference,” said Patel.
“Also remember, wherever the IPL is played, it’ll be played to empty stands. So, as long as it’s available prime time for Indian fans, it shouldn’t be a problem,” GCC added.
The Broadcasters Star is also in line with the idea that the tournament will either held in India or overseas.
Therefore, the pitch is once again ready to be all set for the tournament with a formal announcement on the T20 World Cup.