The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has put the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in jeopardy. With no signs of improvement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unsure of hosting the competition this year. Amid all these, UAE have confirmed offering BCCI to host IPL 2020.
Meanwhile, the 13th season of the T20 blitz was scheduled to commence from March 29. However, BCCI had to postpone it to April 14 after the first lockdown. And with no signs of improvement and the lockdown extended, the Sourav Ganguly-led panel had to defer the tournament for an indefinite period.
UAE to host IPL 2020?
There has been a lot of discussions in the media on the future of the tournament. Reports have claimed that BCCI is planning to host IPL 2020 in September-October window. There were speculations that BCCI is considering hosting the tournament overseas. Amidst all these, UAE have confirmed that they have offered BCCI to host IPL 2020. Reports also suggest that Sri Lanka Cricket has also offered to host the next edition.
“In the past, Emirates Cricket Board has successfully hosted IPL matches in UAE. We have a proven record of being hosts as a neutral venue for various bilateral and multi-nation cricket activities in the past. Our state-of-the-art venues and facilities make the Emirates a desired place for hosting all types of cricket,” board’s general secretary Mubashshir Usmani said to The Gulf.
Incidentally, UAE have hosted the first half of 2009 edition of the IPL due to the general elections in India. Furthermore, Mubashshir Usmani also confirmed that they have offered England and Wales Cricket Board to host their games in the UAE. He also added that they will be more than happy to help BCCI and ECB.
“If our offer is taken up by either of the Boards, then we will be pleased to facilitate the hosting of their matches,” he further added.
