UAE cricket board has confirmed to host the 13th season of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) if Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides to host out of India.
This comes after BCCI treasurer, Arun Dhumal had earlier said that BCCI can look to move IPL 2020 outside of India but as the last option.
In May, UAE had offered to host IPL 2020, which was confirmed by BCCI. Yesterday a report in the ‘Gulf News’ said that the UAE cricket board has made an offer to the BCCI that it can host the IPL.
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) told Gulf News, ‘‘We have a proven record of being hosts as a neutral venue for various bilateral and multi-nation cricket activities in the past. Our state-of-the-art venues and facilities make the Emirates a desired place for hosting all types of cricket.”
UAE had also offered to host the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to complete the English season.
“We have come forward and offered our venues to both England and India. In the past, Emirates Cricket Board has successfully hosted IPL matches in UAE. We have also hosted matches involving England’s team on multiple occasions previously. If our offer is taken up by either of the Boards, then we will be pleased to facilitate the hosting of their matches,” he added.
Though the clarity about the IPL will be only if International Cricket Board postponed the 2020 T20 World Cup scheduled in October-November in Australia and that will give a window for IPL. There were reports that the Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) is looking for the September-November window to host the 13th season of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020).