Apex Council meeting: IPL 2020 could be held in UAE
The Indian Premier League is likely to be held in the UAE between September 26 and November 7, subject to government clearance. It will also depend upon ICC's decision on the T20 World Cup. A number of key factors were discussed in the recently concluded Apex Council meeting, led by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah. Here is more.
Recent developments regarding the IPL were discussed in the meeting. As per reports, BCCI could approach the Indian Government for staging the tournament in India, once the T20 World Cup gets postponed. However, if the coronavirus outbreak continues to flare up in the nation, the cricket board will likely shift the IPL to UAE. This will also be subject to government approval.
Recently, Emirates Cricket Board secretary Mubashshir Usmani said UAE could host the impending IPL edition. "We are ready to fully support the IPL if it chooses to come and play in the UAE. We will provide all the support concerning the protocol and government permission required to host the IPL. We are waiting for written confirmation from BCCI," he said.
In 2014, UAE hosted the first half of IPL from April 16 to 30. Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium, together hosted a total number of 20 matches. Notably, Kolkata Knight Riders were crowned champions in that edition.
The board also informed that no domestic cricket would be held until December. A number of tournaments like Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy and Challengers series will likely be scrapped. Moreover, India won't host any international series this year. Under the schedule, India are due to host England for three ODIs and as T20Is in September. However, the bilateral series is set to be called-off.
There have been several speculations regarding the commencement of training camp for Indian players. It has been learned the camps could be conducted at world's biggest cricket stadium, Motera in Ahmedabad. Notably, the stadium boasts quality accommodation inside its premises. The space could be utilized by contracted players to quarantine and begin training as a lead-up to international cricket.
BCCI has issued an advertisement, calling for applications for the post of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Earlier, the cricket board accepted Rahul Johri's resignation from the position and relieved him of services with immediate effect. Hemang Amin has now been appointed as the interim CEO for two months. He has been serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Indian Premier League (IPL).
