Of late, there has been quite some uncertainty surrounding the IPL 2020 and its fate, but it looks like that might change soon. Earlier today, the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) General Secretary confirmed that their organization has expressed interest in hosting the upcoming 13th edition of the cash-rich cricket tournament.
The IPL, akin to every other cricket tournament scheduled around this time, has been postponed indefinitely till the global health situation improves. While the ICC and its member boards are working towards getting international cricket back on track; things still appear somewhat dicey. The T20 World Cup scheduled for this October in Australia, for one thing, seems likely to be postponed.
Current speculation suggests that the BCCI is actively trying to accommodate the IPL in the October window should the 2020 World Cup be cancelled. This particular development has really piqued the interest of the UAE cricket board, who seem eager to host the IPL. Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of the ECB conveyed a similar intent over on an interview with the Gulf News.
“We successfully hosted the first phase of the Indian Premier League back during the 2014 elections here in UAE. So we already have the know-how required for organizing a tournament as prestigious as the IPL. We have a proven record as neutral hosts to a variety of bilateral as well as multi-national tournaments,” Usmani said.
“Our past international experience should put us in good stead”- UAE cricket board General Secretary
Further, he elaborated on UAE’s high-quality cricket facilities which has made the country a particularly favorite neutral candidate for several of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s cricket events.
“Our state-of-the-art venues and facilities make the Emirates a desired place for hosting all types of cricket. We have come forward and offered our venues to both England and India. We have also hosted matches involving the England team on multiple occasions previously. If either of the Boards do consider our offer, we will be pleased to facilitate the hosting of their matches.” Usmani concluded.
Further reports suggest that the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet another institution that has is eyes on hosting the IPL should the BCCI plan to host the tournament abroad. Presently, it’s quite difficult to comment on the situation; but it should become a bit easier to grasp once the ICC meets on June 10 to decide on the fate of the 2020 World T20.