BCCI writes to Emirates board

Dubai, July 27: The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday confirmed that it has received the official ‘Letter of Intent’ from the BCCI accepting their offer to host the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE.

Last week, IPL chairman Brijesh Patel had announced the dates of the tournament, September 19November 8, and said the tournament will be held in the UAE subject to Indian government’s approval.

“We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government which will ink the final deal,” said Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket Board secretary.

While the Indian government’s approval is awaited, Usmani stated both Boards have “fully mobilised and have instigated discussions with relevant authorities, including their respective internal working-committees, in preparation of hosting the tournament in a safe, protected environment”.

Hosting the eight-team IPL in a foreign location amid the Covid-19 threat is going to be a major logistical challenge. However, the UAE economy is going to benefit substantially by hosting the T20 extravaganza. “There are many factors which influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world’s most exciting, popular and lucrative tournament,” Usmani said.

“We now need to bring in the experts to discuss all aspects of UAE hosting the IPL. This includes the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Sports Councils, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Tourism bodies and the respective Government entities such as police and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention,” he added. — PTI