The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday confirmed that they have received the letter of intent from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for hosting the IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was postponed in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government which will ink the final deal,” said Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket Board Secretary-General. The board had made the confirmation official through a media release on its website.
“While the Board waits for a notice from BCCI that the Indian Government has approved to move the IPL from India (to the UAE) Usmani stated both Boards have fully mobilized and have instigated discussions with the relevant authorities, including their respective internal working-committees, in preparation of hosting the tournament (touted as starting September 19th with the final proposed for November 8th) in a safe, protected environment,” the release said.
“There are many factors which influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world’s most exciting, popular and lucrative tournament.” comment Usmani.
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“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, all who have had strong, proven experience in such activities and we will work together to ascertain the best practices to support and deliver on a successful edition,” he added.
“We have a sound, solid understanding of what is required, and to whom we need to consult and engage with from this early stage through to the close of the Tournament. 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 8-team tournament,” Usmani said, having the experience of hosting the IPL before in 2014.
Usmani also provided an update on the COVID-19 situation in the Emirates.
“Firstly, we are extremely pleased with how the UAE Government responded to the virus, which was as early as February and we continue to see encouraging numbers across the country - in decreasing cases and increasing recoveries. Secondly, we will fully support any requirements stipulated by the relevant Health Authorities in regards to COVID-19 safety measures and management,” he signed off.
