Cricket-lovers are thrilled at the news that IPL 2020 will go ahead from September. To counter Covid-19 fears, the tournament has been moved from India to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Governing Council meeting of the IPL is set to take place on Sunday. IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel had already informed that the meeting would take place this week and the notice has been sent to the GC members.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that they have received the official Letter of Intent from the BCCI to host the 2020 edition of the IPL. 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 General.
Usmani stated both boards have fully mobilised and have instigated discussions with the relevant authorities, including their respective internal working-committees, in preparation of hosting the tournament (touted as starting 19 September with the final proposed for 8 November) in a safe, protected environment.
The Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Dubai Sports Complex and Sharjah Cricket Stadium are close to each other making travel by road an easy option. Moreover, they also have state-of-the-art practice facilities. BCCI already has the experience of conducting a part of the IPL in the UAE, in 2014.
Most importantly, timings in the UAE will help the broadcaster. Hope the authorities plan properly to host the tournament with corona spread on a high around the globe.