The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League in UAE may be the only domestic tournament held in the Indian winter, as the complications pile on amid a raging COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier set-up a task force and designed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in hope to conduct at least some of the tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 competition.
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However, given the logistical challenges and the need to get a go-ahead signal from local authorities at a time when the pandemic is showing no signs of subsiding, the possibility of a no-cricket winter has also risen quite quickly.
"In certain states, it's bad. In other states, it's worse. The numbers are unrelenting. In such a scenario, how does one plan anything over a period of three or four months, when you're not sure what's in store tomorrow," sources close to the development were quoted as saying in a report published by the Times of India.
On August 22, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had sent a letter to all state associations, assuring them that a curtailed season will be held.
It was earlier reported by TOI, that the season will likely not see Deodhar, Duleep and Irani Trophy events and focus on only premier competitions, which would also provide financial relief to cricketers, support staff, groundsmen, match officials, scorers etc. In case of a potential cancellation, they all stand to lose.
"The intent was always there but circumstances haven't really changed. Ganguly's letter was a little too early in the day (with regards to pandemic peak)," said another source to TOI.
Those tracking developments added, "first, the state government permissions would be required. Then the city-specific municipalities will need to give a go-ahead."
"And even if that happens, preparing a bio-secure bubble for 37 Ranji teams, five Duleep Trophy teams, and the several other domestic teams would be next to impossible. Travel and accommodation will be another concern. It's not feasible."
