The UAE has drawn a stage nearer to facilitating IPL 2020 as the BCCI has sent an acknowledgment letter to the Emirates Cricket Board on Sunday, league administrator Brijesh Patel affirmed to Khaleej Times.
After the world was shaken by Covid-19, UAE had developed as the most grounded competitor to have the IPL, which was prior to be played from March 29. Presently the dates have been pushed back to September 19.
“Yes, we have sent the acceptance letter to the Emirates Cricket Board and both the boards will be working together from now on to stage the tournament,” Patel said.
“The teams need at least three to four weeks to prepare for the tournament.”
While ECB’s Mubashir Usmani said that a formal announcement from the board will be made on Monday.
“We (the ECB) are going to send a press release on the issue tomorrow (Monday). But at this point in time, I cannot reveal more than that,” Usmani told Khaleej Times on Sunday.
Prior, New Zealand Cricket had approached and given the NOC to six of its players including Kane Williamson (SunRisers Hyderabad), Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians), Jimmy Neesham (Kings XI Punjab), Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings), Mitchell McClenaghan (Mumbai Indians) and Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders).
The same is expected from Cricket Australia as well. 14 players from Australia have IPL contracts currently.
Aaron Finch, Josh Philippe, Kane Richardson (All Royal Challengers Bangalore), Chris Lynn, Nathan Coulter-Nile (Both Mumbai Indians), Josh Hazelwood, Shane Watson (Both Chennai Super Kings), Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis (Both Delhi Capitals), Glenn Maxwell (Kings XI Punjab), Pat Cummins, Chris Green (Both Kolkata Knight Riders) and, Steve Smith, Andrew Tye (Both Rajasthan Royals).
Why UAE for IPL 2020
UAE was zeroed down – 1. Because it has hosted the event earlier. 2. Logistically, UAE could pull off something similar or at least close to what England and Wales Cricket Board have managed by creating a bio-secure bubble for their international series against West Indies in England. The Dubai Sports City, which includes the Dubai International Stadium and the ICC Academy, is ready as a potential venue for the T20 league.
Also read: Why UAE Makes Most Sense as Hosts for IPL 2020 – All You Need to Know
