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It’s official. The 2020 Indian Premier League is shifting to the UAE this yr. The Emirates Cricket Board has acknowledged receiving a letter of intent from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th version of the IPL in the UAE. “We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government,” mentioned Mubashshir Usmani, secretary normal of the Emirates board, in a press release.
Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirms that they’ve acquired the official ‘Letter of Intent’ from BCCI to host the 2020 version of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
— UAE Cricket Official (@EmiratesCricket) July 27, 2020
Decks are additionally being cleared on the ministerial stage in India. “BCCI’s request to hold the IPL outside India in UAE has been approved by the sports ministry,” confirmed a supply in the sports activities ministry. The proposal now has to get the inexperienced gentle from the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs.
Hindustan Times had first reported on May 10 that the board had written to the BCCI, providing to host the IPL. The Indian board nonetheless waited until mid-July to see if a closed-door IPL may very well be staged at house. With the COVID-19 caseload growing, BCCI declared its intentions to move the occasion abroad following discussions in its Apex Council meet on July 17. The UAE turned a best choice at that time.
GOVT PERMISSION
According to a BCCI official, getting official permission from the Indian authorities is a formality now. “The government has to take its own view. With rising coronavirus cases in the country, we have been given to understand it’s very difficult,” a high BCCI official mentioned.
The BCCI nonetheless has made it clear ‘this is no 2009’. When the IPL was first moved abroad (South Africa) in 2009 due to the overall elections, it was towards the needs of the then Union authorities. This time, there may be an admission from all events that the well being state of affairs in the nation isn’t conducive to stage a mega sporting occasion involving worldwide gamers.
“What we are waiting for is an understanding on international travel. To see if commercial flight are available, or we have to use chartered flights. Also, it’s not just a case of flying all Indian players to Dubai. Players and all other participants from other parts of the world also need to travel to Dubai,” he added.
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NO COMPENSATION, IF NO CROWDS
The Indian board will quickly name an IPL governing council (GC) meet the place all logistical and monetary points will likely be thrashed out. But even earlier than the GC members get collectively, the BCCI doesn’t appear inclined to compensate franchises for the lack of gate receipts–a requirement raised by some franchises like Kings XI Punjab. “What would the losses be if there was no IPL? The gate revenue is only 10-15 percent of what the franchises make. Many franchises understand where we stand,” the BCCI official mentioned.
A closing determination on whether or not spectators will likely be allowed by restricted ticket gross sales will likely be primarily based on the recommendation of the UAE authorities. But franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who’re used to getting full homes at house video games, stand to lose appreciable income.
UAE PREPARED
Usmani confirmed the proposed IPL dates–September 19 to November 08–and added ‘both boards have fully mobilised and have instigated discussions with the relevant authorities, including their respective internal working committees.’
“There are many factors which influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world’s most exciting, popular and lucrative tournament,” mentioned Usmani. “This is a massive movement of people and equipment and we now need to bring in the experts to discuss all aspects of UAE hosting the IPL. This includes the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Sports Councils, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah tourism bodies and the respective government entities such as the police forces and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.”
The UAE has expertise internet hosting the IPL, having staged 20 IPL matches in 2014. Usmani speaks of ‘solid understanding of what is required, and who we need to consult and engage from this early stage through to close of the tournament.’
All franchises are trying to have a three-four week coaching camp in the UAE earlier than the competitors begins. “UAE boasts some of the best practice facilities and stadia in the world across three Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) which we are confident will be more than adequate to support the eight-team tournament,” mentioned Usmani.
– (With inputs from Avishek Roy)
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