While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is getting ready to organise the IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is waiting for the final confirmation from the BCCI.
On last Monday (20th July), the International Cricket Council (ICC) postponed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which Australia would host between 18th October and 15th November 2020. After that postponement of that tournament, the BCCI is now getting busy to organise the IPL 2020 in this free window.
Earlier, India would as usually host the 13th edition of the IPL, which was originally scheduled between 29th March and 24th May 2020. However, in middle of the March, the BCCI postponed the entire IPL 2020 amid coronavirus outbreak.
As the coronavirus pandemic is still dominating in India, there is a high chance to organise the IPL 2020 outside India. Recently, the IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel has hinted to shift the IPL 2020 in the UAE.
There is also the final condition of BCCI gaining approval from the Indian government that they can host the IPL 2020 outside India: Emirates Cricket Board
Now, the Emirates Cricket Board has clarified that they are waiting for the final confirmation from the BCCI about the hosting rights of the IPL 2020. The board has also added that the BCCI also needs approval from the Indian government that the tournament can be hosted outside India.
The UAE cricket board stated ANI, “We are awaiting final confirmation from BCCI regarding being the host nation. There is also the final condition of BCCI gaining approval from the Indian government that they can host the IPL outside India.”
Brijesh Patel has also confirmed that the BCCI has already applied for government permission. The 13th edition of the IPL can be organised in the UAE between late September and early November 2020.
Earlier, the UAE hosted the first half of the IPL 2014 due to the Indian general election at that time. Only the second edition of the IPL tournament was entirely played outside India as South Africa hosted the full IPL 2009.