Due to the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases, BCCI is working on ‘Plan B’ to conduct the next IPL season. If sources are to be believed, then the BCCI might organize the entire IPL season across 4 venues in Maharashtra (3 in Mumbai and 1 in Pune).
Notable that the last IPL season was halted midway due to the rapid rise in Covid-19 cases when it was originally scheduled to host the entire season in India but they had to move to UAE to conclude the second half in September-October. If things go according to the plan then Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, the DY Patil Stadium and Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune will be the four venues for IPL 2022.
4 Venues are shortlisted across Mumbai and Pune for IPL 2022
“On January 5, Hemang Amin (BCCI’s interim CEO and the Chief Operating Officer of the IPL) approached Vijay Patil (MCA president) in this regard, on the sidelines of the MCA’s Apex Council meeting. subsequently, a few days later, Amin and Patil met Sharad Pawar at the NCP supremo’s residence.
“Pawar has given his green signal to the BCCI’s proposal. During this week or in the next 10 days, he, the BCCI, and MCA officials will meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and state chief secretary Debashish Chakrabarty to arrange for the necessary permission in this regard,” A source revealed it to Times of India.
“There should be no problem on this front, as the tournament will be played in a strict bio bubble with no crowds, and the players and officials will be tested frequently,” The source added.
Learning the lessons from the previous season, BCCI wants to eliminate air travel so that it will be easier to maintain the bio-bubble. The first half of IPL 2021 was staged across 4 venues- Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
“As of now, the plan is to stage the IPL in India, If however, the Maharashtra option too is ruled out in the future, then the BCCI might be forced to take the IPL to the UAE again,” a source revealed to TOI.
The BCCI is also exploring options to host the rest of the international season as West Indies and Sri Lanka are set to travel to India in February-March.
Also, read BCCI May Consider Hosting India-West Indies Series In One Or Two Venues