Mubashshir Usmani, the general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), said the governing body in UAE is keeping all plans ready, even as there hasn't been any official word received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on playing host to the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel said the BCCI is looking to finally kickstart the annual event on September 19, with the final on November 8, in UAE. However, government approval is needed to shift the league outside India.
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The Middle East has previously also hosted IPL matches in 2014, but that was down to the Lok Sabha elections here and wasn't as challenging in terms of logistics as this time amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In April, we had written to the BCCI, expressing interest to host the IPL. We will be happy to extend all help for the tournament," Usmani told Sportstar from Dubai.
"We are yet to hear from the BCCI officially. We have heard the statements by Brijesh Patel (IPL Governing Council chairman) in the media and we welcome it."
"At the ECB, we are ready to support the BCCI. Once we officially hear from them, we will actively get into the preparation process, seeking necessary government approvals," he added.
Usmani said hosting its domestic D10 League from July 25th to August 7 in Dubai will help the ECB prepare to host the IPL 2020.
"We have set some standard protocols for the D10 League and if the teams want to come here a month in advance, we will extend all those protocols. We will take more precautions and make things even better, following government and ICC guidelines," he said, adding that crowd presence will depend on UAE government's approval.
"We will propose a few plans to our governments and will seek their approval on what protocols need to be followed to host the entire tournament."
"As far as fans’ entry is concerned, we would want our Asian diaspora in the UAE and also the Emiratis to come and watch the IPL. They are excited to see such a prestigious event. We will ask the government to allow some flexibility to ensure fans at the venues. The curfew has been lifted in Dubai and even tourists are allowed. (There are still protocols and restrictions in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.)"
"In restaurants, 30 to 50 per cent occupancy is permitted in Dubai, with proper social distancing and other safety measures. In malls and other places, the numbers are even higher, so we are hopeful of allowing some fans," Usmani informed.
"We will have to submit at least two or three plans to the government and we will have to see what they say."
State of travelling restrictions in UAE will allow for relaxation on quarantine rules. "With UAE opening its airports and allowing tourists, quarantine is not required if people travelling here carry a negative COVID-19 report," said Usmani.
"If your reports are negative then you are allowed to move freely (Tests will be arranged for those who fail to provide the report. Players and stakeholders will also need to download the DXB app to follow the health and safety protocol)."
Practice facilities aren't going to be an issue either, given the number of grounds available, including those used within the ICC academy.
"As an associate member nation, we have some of the best facilities," said Usmani. "We have three grounds, in which there are two Ovals. The ICC Academy and the Abu Dhabi facility have their own practice grounds. The ICC Academy is the world’s biggest practice facility. In Dubai, the ICC Academy has 38 wickets, including a few simulated turfs. There are eight teams, but it won’t be a problem in facilitating their training."
"We will give BCCI options and it is up to them to decide. They have access to everything and we will support them. Multiple options will be given in terms of accomodation too. (Some of the franchises indicated that teams are likely to stay in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and will travel to Sharjah by road whenever needed.)"
"In October-November, the weather is usually very pleasant. By the time IPL starts, winters will be approaching in this part of the world," he concluded.
(Inputs from Sportstar)
