The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to be hosted by UAE Cricket Board . However, the final announcement is expected soon as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still awaiting an official decision on the fate of the T20 World Cup which was to be held in Australia in October-November.
According to a report by Outlook, IPL franchise owners met earlier this week, and “they had no qualms in the IPL going overseas this year”.
Given the coronavirus protocols, matches in the UAE will be held in front of empty stadiums. “That’s not a problem. IPL is more made for TV and the gate receipts will not be as much even if the crowds come in,” a team owner was quoted as saying in the report.
A report in the ‘Gulf News’ said that the UAE Cricket Board has made an offer to the BCCI that it can host the IPL. UAE Cricket Board General Secretary Mubashshir Usmani said, “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.”
Sri Lanka Cricket is the other Board that has expressed interest to host the IPL if India decides to hold the tournament abroad.
The 13th IPL was scheduled to start in late March but it was postponed due to the global coronavirus crisis. There is speculation that the BCCI is looking for an October window to hold the event in case the T20 World Cup in Australia is not held this year.
