ECB throws hat in the ring for hosting postponed IPL
When the world is battling coronavirus, UAE once again showed its never-say-die attitude as the country’s cricket board offered to host the 13th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League.
General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Mubashshir Usmani confirmed the reports in an exclusive interview to Gulf Today over the phone.
“Yes, not only we made an offer to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the IPL but we are also confident of getting the reply in affirmative from Indian board,” said Usmani.
“We have a very impressive record of hosting the series and tournament on a neutral venue. We have done it in the past also and can do it again. We are well equipped with all the facilities to hold it successfully. Our state-of-art stadium make the UAE as most viable and desirable neutral venue.”
The IPL has been held outside India twice in the 12-year long history of the tournament. In 2009, the entire edition was shifted to South Africa while in 2014 some matches were held in the UAE. On both the occasions, parliamentary elections were the reason for shifting the tournament.
The UAE also has been hosting the cricket tournaments and leagues for over 25 years. The iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium holds the record of hosting most number of ODIS.
In reply to a question about the UAE’S government permission for holding the league
So the only window left for holding IPL is in October and November, which coincides with World Twenty20 to be held in Australia at the same time.
BCCI is eyeing the same dates as the World Twenty20 is likely to be postponed to Australian summers or cancelled for this year completely.
A clearer picture about the window for IPL may emerge if the ICC makes a formal announcement regarding the World T20 following their next board meeting through video conference on June 10.
Talking about the weather in the country during October-november, Usmani said: “Weather will not be a problem as it is not too hot at that time. Weather in India is also like that. Moreover, in October, winter begins to set in gradually. And most of the matches will be played at night.”
The other country in the fray to hold the IPL is Sri Lanka, who also offered BCCI to host the lucrative tournament. However, unlike the UAE, they do not have any past record of hosting neutral series and tourneys.
They are a world Cup winning nation and have always hosted either bilateral series involving their team or a tournament, which featured them as well. Usmani declined to comment on where the whether the tournament will be across all three venues or at place to avoid logistical problems and traveling during COVID-19.