As per reports in the Times of India, the second half of the IPL 2021 is likely to be hosted in the UK. The BCCI are in talks with the ECB to change the Test series to four instead of five Test matches for the BCCI to get the window in September. Meanwhile, the BCCI is also keen on hosting the T20 World Cup in India as well despite the surge in COVID cases.

Meanwhile, the topics will be debated in the Special General Body Meeting (SGM) meeting on May 29. As of now, the apex cricket body is determined to retain the hosting rights, with United Arab Emirates (UAE) being the second option.

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India Are Still Hosts of T20 World Cup: BCCI Official

“Right now, India is the host venue for the World Cup. That’s how the Board is seeing it. If things go awry again, then a call will be taken only after the month of June. And yes, UAE is the second option,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

So far in IPL 2021, 29 matches have been played and 31 are remaining including the playoffs and the final. While the UAE hosted the IPL in 2020, the United Kingdom is BCCI’s top choice for the rescheduled tournament this year. The English counties have expressed interest in hosting the tournament. The report quoted sources as saying even Sri Lanka was a potential backup venue for the 2021 IPL.

“BCCI and the ECB are in discussions to tweak the five-Test series. Details of those discussions aren’t public yet. But in whichever manner the ECB agrees to tweak the Test series, they will want the IPL in England because the counties can earn from it. There’ll be a good chance of a quid pro quo’.’

The BCCI is very keen on hosting the T20 World Cup in India even if it means hosting the games at two or three venues. Meanwhile, as far as the IPL is concerned, India are scheduled to play a five-match Test series first game scheduled in Nottingham on August 4. The last Test is slated to begin on September 10 in Manchester.

“UK is a relatively costlier destination. But on the flipside, the UK government is allowing crowds for sports events. That means, franchises can earn from gate money and that will subsidize costs” the BCCI official added.

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