Tweaking the five-match test series between the two sides is also being considered as an option to provide a bigger window and also as a measure to prepare for the T20 World Cup, which is set to start in October.
The other options being considered by the BCCI include the UAE, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom. Recent reports claim that the UK has emerged as the hotspot considering the revenue that could be generated from gate money by the franchises with the government allowing crowds for sports events. Even the broadcasters Star sports are in favor of this decision. BCCI is in advanced talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board at the moment as even the latter look to gain from this offer.
“BCCI and the ECB are in discussions to tweak the five-Test series. Details of those discussions aren’t public yet. But in whichever manner the ECB agrees to tweak the Test series, they will want the IPL in England because the counties can earn from it. There’ll be a good chance of a quid pro quo“
,TOI has quoted a source privy to the discussions.
Moreover, the BCCI also has some backup destinations – UAE and Sri Lanka, as a last resort, with fears over the UK proving to be an expensive destination to host a tournament in such a short duration of time.
“Only if costs are escalating to a point where it starts affecting stakeholders, the BCCI will consider the UAE as the second option for the IPL. On that front, we aren’t even discounting the idea of hosting the IPL in Sri Lanka,”
the source added.
Further discussions over the IPL and the T20 World Cup will happen in the Special General Body meeting expected to take place on May 29th. It’s highly unlikely that any other discussions other than the aforementioned topics will occur during the meet.
