IPL likely to be extended to reduce workload
NEW DELHI: The BCCI brass is exploring the option of using the full window of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by pushing the final back to October 15 in order to reduce the number of double headers in the UAE’S searing September heat.
The tournament will start on Sunday, September 19, and while the final was tentatively planned for October 10, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as well as the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) are mulling stretching the lucrative T20 event till October 15 that will to coincide with the Dussehra festival.
“September 15 to October 15 is the window. Initially, BCCI was thinking of having 10 double headers. But, in third and fourth week of September, having 10 afternoon matches can be physically exhausting for player in such short window,” a BCCI official aware of the developments told PTI. “So if October 15, which is a Friday, is zeroed in, it’s basically the start of a weekend in India and in Dubai, it’s a holiday which will allow fans to come in and enjoy a high-profile game of cricket. It serves dual purpose. Also, the number of double headers could be reduced to five or six, instead of 10.”
Double headers are two separate matches played on the same day.
BCCI identified the 27-day window to complete the 31 remaining matches, after the 14th edition of the games was suspended midway on May 4 after several players and support staff tested positive for Covid-19.
The biggest hurdle is the availability of international players. ANI quoting a BCCI official aware of the developments said talks are on to get foreign players on board. “The discussions have started and we are keeping fingers crossed that the foreign players will mostly be available,” the official said.