Indian board gets clearance ‘in principle’ for IPL in UAE

dubai — The shifting of this season’s Indian Premier League (IPL) is close to being rubber stamped by the Indian government, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) receiving the approval ‘in principle,’ paving the way for the tournament to be staged in the UAE.

It is learnt that the Indian board has been granted clearance in principle for the 13th edition of the league to be held outside India, with an official letter to be issued over the coming days.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had received the official Letter of Intent from the BCCI last month, to host the competition, after it had become clear that it could not be held in India because of the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government which will ink the final deal.” Mubashshir Usmani, ECB general secretary had said in a statement.

“We have a sound, solid understanding of what is required, and to whom we need to consult and engage with from this early stage through to the close of the tournament,” he had added.

The ECB had earlier sent a letter of invitation to the BCCI, expressing its willingness to host the popular franchise league.

“ECB had already sent us an invitation and were ready to host the IPL. We felt it is the right place because they have the infrastructure and we have played the IPL earlier over there. Apart from that, they have held so many international matches,” IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel had told the Khaleej Times.

The tournament, which was scheduled to be held during its regular window from March, was delayed because of the pandemic. It will now be played out from September 19 to November 10.

The eight franchises, which have already begun quarantine procedures for their players and support staff, will touchdown in the UAE after August 20, as per the BCCI directive. Meanwhile, a number of brands are in the running for the coveted title sponsorship of the league after Chinese phone giants Vivo and BCCI suspended their partnership for a year.

In the current scenario, e-commerce companies — American powerhouses Amazon and Bengaluru-based Flipkart — could come into the picture while e-learning company Byju’s, the current sponsor of the Indian team, and telecom giants Jio could also be in the fray.