India men’s team head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the IPL 2020 in the UAE would be a great success. He is delighted that the UAE has accepted the proposal — to host the T20 league though the coronavirus fear has not gone. According to him, the most-watched league would cheer up the people who have been indoors for an extended period because of the novel virus.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to host the IPL 2020 in the UAE after the surge in coronavirus cases in India. The UAE had hosted the opening part of the IPL 2014 when India had general elections. However, this would be the first time that Dubai would be hosting the whole tournament.
IPL was much need at the moment: Ravi Shastri
IPL 2020 is slated to start from 19th September. The tournament will span for 53 days during which 60 matches will be played. The grand finale will be played on 10th November. Ravi Shastri has opined that the IPL is a “much-needed chaos” that everyone needs in these times.
“You know with this COVID thing happening, once this IPL starts in the UAE, you will see that chaos back again, which is much needed,” Shastri said during webinar ‘Arabian Sea Dialogue’ organised by the Observer Research Foundation.
Shastri hopeful for the best show in the UAE:
Ravi Shastri was impressed with the arrangement of the United Arab Emirates government when the league was held there in 2014. He said that the host had ensured to put on the best show during the league. So, he is convinced that the UAE was the best option to organise the league this time around.
“It is a great gesture by the Indian government to take cricket to the UAE and the UAE government in responding (to it). I remember, in 2014, when the IPL came there (to the UAE), his Excellency did not leave one stone unturned and ensured that it was a top-class IPL and the public responded brilliantly,” Shastri said.
“It’s been depressing, it been unforeseen, the world hasn’t seen anything like this since the Second World War, to just get some sport action, back on television, day in and day out will lift the spirits of a lot of people and it is much needed at this moment of time,” Shastri said.
Ravi Shastri is excited to witness the much-awaited tournament of the year. He is expecting the best during the testing time.
“So I think, it’s going to be one helluva party and I am so happy that it’s gone to the UAE, because they put up such a good show last time around. They know now what to expect when we come with the IPL and the eight teams and I think it’s (IPL) going to be a runaway success COVID or no COVID,” he added.
IPL teams will reach the UAE two to three weeks ahead of the tournament to follow the safety protocols.