The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League Season 14 will be played in the UAE.
The BBCCI on Saturday announced to complete the remaining matches of VIVO Indian Premier League 2021 season in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E).
Surprisingly though the board has not attributed the change of the location from India to the West Asia to Covid-19. “Considering the monsoon season in India in the months of September-October this year” the league is shifted to the UAE, stated the BCCI media release.
The decision was taken at a Special General Meeting (SGM) held virtually, where members unanimously agreed to resume IPL.
The BCCI SGM further authorised the Office Bearers to seek an extension of time from the ICC to take an appropriate call on the hosting of ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
The IPL was suspended indefinitely after 29 games as the Covid-19 virus had penetrated the bio bubble. Players, management and support staff from several staff as well as ground staff were reported positive for Covid-19 on successive days.
The last match of the season so far was played on May 2nd between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. The very next day the Delhi and District Cricket Association ground staff and several players from Delhi Capitals were found infected with the virus.
There are also question marks on the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, which has to be hosted by the BCCI. The World Cup in all likelihood will also be moved to the UAE.
A BCCI official, speaking to the Indian Express, has maintained the World Cup may still be held in India. “With the Covid curve coming down in India, we are still optimistic about holding the T20 World Cup in the country in October-November. We will request the ICC to wait at least until the first week of July,” the paper has quoted the official as saying.
The IPL is expected a 21-day window from September 18 or 19.
