The BCCI CEO Hemang Amin has kept two different plans ready for the resumption of the IPL 2021 including a two-leg option in the UK and the UAE.
Amin, who is also the Chief Operating Officer of IPL, has laid a roadmap to complete the 14th season of IPL in UAE in September and October 2021.
With both United Arab Emirates and the England Cricket Board showing interest in hosting the remainder of the season, BCCI has not dismissed the possibility of ending the tournament in two legs – one in England and the other one in the UAE. A schedule has already been drafted by Amin, keeping this possibility in mind.
UAE seem to be the front-runners to host the show after their highly successful execution in 2020. UAE’s efforts to conduct the IPL last year with all kinds of safety protocols and precautions earned high praises from both the board members and the franchises.
However, the Indian contingent will be in England till September 14 for the five-match test series. It would be in BCCI’s best interest to host the remainder of the IPL in England to avoid losing days in quarantine which will be the case if they decide to move out. The BCCI and ECB are also negotiating to shrink the test series in order to make space for the IPL.
According to a report in the Times of India, Amin is ready to propose UAE as his preferred option as he believes hosting the tournament in England in mid-September will be a huge gamble. The unpredictable nature of English weather and higher expenses to hold the tournament in England are the main reasons cited by Amin.
“One way or the other, the BCCI should make a decision and work towards it. Things should not get stuck in decision-making paralysis and be left for the last moment. The sooner a call is taken, the better the preparations,”
Amin stated.
The BCCI is expected to make their decision regarding the remainder of the IPL 2021 fixtures in a special general meeting on May 29.
