The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has started its preparation to host the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) in the UAE. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and Secretary Jay Shah are currently in Dubai to oversee the progress of the preparation and are likely to meet with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officials if reports are to be believed true.
BCCI is making a new schedule to fit eight doubleheaders in the 25-day window. The apex body is planning to start the second leg between September 17th to 19th and is expected to announce the IPL 2021 Phase 2 schedule before the end of June.
BCCI to host last phase of IPL 2021 in one venue
With a shortage in time due to the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 BCCI is compelled to host eight to ten double-headers to fit the remaining 31 games in a 25-day window. Just like last year, IPL will be played in three cities — Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Also Read: IPL 2021 In UAE: New Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming And Venues
However, BCCI is planning to host the last phase of league matches and the knockout rounds including the final only at one venue. Dubai is likely to be the front runner as most of the franchises are likely to book their hotel there just like IPL 2020.
In case T20 World Cup is shifted to UAE, BCCI & Emirates Cricket Board will be asked to hand over venues to ICC by 1st of October. But as per reports in Insidesports, BCCI has informally got permission to continue playing matches on one of the 3 venues from ICC. This is the reason, ICC during the board meeting also discussed the name of Oman as one of the standby venues for the T20 World Cup.
BCCI trying to bring all overseas players to the UAE
While there are reports that the second half of IPL will miss a couple of overseas stars, BCCI is confident to make the foreign players available. They are currently engaging with foreign boards and make the cricketers free for IPL 2021 in the UAE.
The teams are expected to shift to the UAE but ultimately it will depend on BCCI and what quarantine rules they set after discussions with the Emirates Cricket Board.
“As of now, we only have the communication that the remaining part of the IPL will be held in the UAE after Saturday’s Special General Meeting. We are also aware that the BCCI office-bearers are in talks with the ECB on the plan of action and are currently in Dubai. So once we have a clarity on the protocols that will be in place, especially with regards to teams quarantining after reaching UAE, we can block the hotel rooms accordingly,” the official said to ANI.
