The Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI panel has asked the state associations to continue the preparations for the T20 World Cup to be played later this year in October. The seventh edition of the tournament was originally scheduled in Australia last year, but due to the pandemic, the event was postponed and shifted to India, which was initially fixed to host the 8th edition in 2021. As per the reports, the final will be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Among the nine venues include the likes of Hyderabad and Dharamsala as well. The BCCI in a statement to ANI has given a go-ahead to these state associations to go ahead with the world they are doing to get the venue ready in time for the tournament. 

Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dharamsala, Ahmedabad and Lucknow – have reportedly been picked by the BCCI apex council for the T20 World Cup slated to be held in India later this year.

BCCI Gives Go-Ahead To Nine Venues For T20 World Cup 2021 Preparations

“The nine venues have been informed and it was again discussed that preparations should continue for the showpiece event with an eye on the COVID-19 situation and a call will only be taken closer to the event. It is too early to imagine what can or will happen in October-November with regards to the coronavirus situation. But preparations shall be on,” BCCI sources in the know of developments told ANI.

So far the likes of India, England, Pakistan and West Indies have won the T20 World Cup title. India were the first-time winners of the tournament back in 2007 when the tournament started. India reached the semi-finals of the 2014 and 2016 editions of the T20 World Cup as well. 

Meanwhile, two major points of discussion in the BCCI meeting were the allotment of visas to Pakistan players and India’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 

“The visa issue of Pakistan cricket team has been sorted. However whether the fans can travel across the border to watch matches is still not clear. It will be decided in due course of time. However, we had promised ICC that it will be sorted. The secretary announced during the meeting” an Apex Council member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Also Read: Indian Government Set To Grant Visas To Pakistan Players For T20 World Cup: Reports