After the 14th edition of the IPL was halted mid-way due to the devastating second wave of coronavirus pandemic, a lot of speculations were made on when and where the remaining matches will be conducted. As per recent reports, England, UAE and Australia have emerged as the potential venues for conducting the remainder of the IPL.
After a lot of players among different franchises tested positive for COVID-19, BCCI decided to postpone the marquee league. The board is now eying the September window to stage the remainder of IPL 2021.
Even the overseas players won’t be willing to come back in Indian after witnessing the disastrous situation in the country due to Covid-19. This leaves BCCI with the only option of conducting the competition elsewhere.
“It has to be played overseas. Certain suggestions have already been heard. The BCCI just has to make up its mind,”
a source in the know of developments were quoted as saying by the TOI.
The first option to finish the remaining matches of the IPL is the United Arab Emirates where the 2020 season was played. However, it would be difficult to conduct games in the harrowing heat in the UAE.
“Weather will be a problem because September remains a very hot month and UAE only begins to cool down October onwards,”
the source said.
Moreover, the UK is also being looked at as a viable option to conduct the league. The Indian team is already set to leave for England in June to play the World Test Championship final and a 4-match Test series against England.
The weather will be good for cricket in England. It will suit the broadcaster as well because the time zones can be adjusted, and overseas players would also be willing to travel to England. The final option is to move the IPL to Australia, which will need a lot of approvals and arrangements.
