According to the latest reports, the 13th season of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) is likely to be hosted outside India. UAE and Sri Lanka are the two countries where IPL 2020 is likely to be hosted.
Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that the IPL 2020 can be hosted outside India as the coronavirus cases are increasing in India. It can be hosted in Sri Lanka or UAE, which have 5 and 402 active cases, respectively.
“We are yet to decide on the venue but probably it is going outside this year. The condition in India doesn’t look suited to have so many teams come in at one or two venues and then create an atmosphere that will be safe for the players and the public, even though the games may be played behind closed doors,” BCCI official said.
“The race is between UAE and Sri Lanka and we will need to decide on where we host the league depending on the situation there regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Logistics also need to be looked into, so we will decide soon,” he added..
“See, it is a case of the decision-makers being divided 3-2 if that is how you wish to understand the current scenario. There are a couple of voices who feel that having the tournament should be the priority, and if that means taking it out of the country, so be it. So, while we are working on the overall plan, the venue is an area that will need further deliberation. Also, safety of the players and everyone involved is a priority,” the official had explained.
The final announcement is expected soon as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still awaiting an official decision on the fate of the T20 World Cup, which was to be held in Australia in October-November.
