Sri Lanka Cricket has shown a keen interest to host IPL 2022 to be played in April-May. On Thursday Sri Lanka Cricket was reacting to the reports that suggested that the BCCI marked Sri Lanka as one of the possible venues.
As the covid situation has been worsened in the country, the BCCI wants to get ready with backup options. In the recent meeting, Sri Lanka has emerged out as the frontrunner to host this mega league.
“We have seen reports and we will be happy to host the IPL in Sri Lanka. We will initiate talks with the BCCI regarding this soon, the Covid situation is not bad here in Sri Lanka and you can be assured we will be very warm hosts.” Mohan de Silva, the secretary of the SLC, told Cricbuzz.
Sri Lanka is among the most favourites to host this cash riched league as its time zone is exactly the same as India. So there won’t be any issue regarding match timing as the official broadcasters demand a prime time slot to get the most viewing. The matches usually begin at 7:30 pm and in the case of double-headers, the afternoon match is likely to begin at 3:30 pm.
Notable that since the Covid situation emerged, the BCCI moved IPL to UAE in the last two seasons. IPL 2021 was originally scheduled in India as the situation got worsened, they had to postpone it which eventually was concluded in September October 2021.
The full season of 2020 was held in UAE too. But this time the BCCI wants to explore options beyond UAE.
The downside of UAE is that it has only 3 venues and it’s way too expensive. And with 10 teams in this season, the BCCI wants a bigger infrastructure where 74 matches can be played. South Africa is also among other options as they also hosted IPL in 2009 when it was forced to move out due to general elections.
The BCCI will make a decision soon after a meeting with all IPL franchises. The mega auction will be held in the second week of February in Bengaluru.
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