A day after International Cricket Council (ICC) postponed the 2020 T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in Australia, Indian Permier League Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed on Tuesday July 21 that IPL 2020 will be played in UAE.
It had been reported that BCCI was waiting for ICC to clear the air of uncertainty over the T20 World Cup to confirm the schedule and venue for the IPL 2020.
“IPL 2020 which was postponed due to coronavirus will now be held in UAE,” Patel told ANI.
Although Patel did not confirm the dates for the annual cricket bonanza, he said the board has written to government seeking permission to hold the tournament in UAE and is awaiting the go-head.
Final decision by IPL GC
However, according several news reports, quoting various sources in BCCI, the Board has zeroed in on a 44-day window between September 26 and November 7 for the 60 match 13th edition of the IPL.
The final decision on the schedule and the venues for the tournament is likely to be announced in next 7-10 days after a discussion on the matter in IPL Governing council.
“IPL GC will discuss the further course of action,” said Patel.
IPl 2020, which was originally scheduled to be played from March 28, was postponed indefinitely by BCCI in April. Since then the Cricket Sri Lanka and Emirates Cricket Board had offered to host the tournament as the number of COVID-19 cases surged in India.
The Board intended to host the tournament in India, even if held behind closed doors, but the rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in the country has made it well-nigh-impossible for the board to host the tournament in the country. India has been witnessing around 40000 cases for last couple of days with the total number of cases in the country nearing 12 lacs.
Earlier in 2009 the IPL was held in South Africa and then in 2014 UAE hosted the early matches of the tournament. Both on account of elections in the country.
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