The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given official clearance to host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE, confirmed the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) this Tuesday (August 11).
The ECB informed of the development just a day after IPL governing council chairman, Brijesh Patel, had told PTI that the BCCI has been given the official nod of approval by the Indian government to conduct the tournament in UAE.
The IPL 2020 had to be postponed from its traditional window in April-May and then moved out of India due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle event of our favourite sport. The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance," said Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, cabinet member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and ECB Chairman in a media release.
“This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports-fans; here in the UAE, in India and across the world."
With the UAE government limiting the pandemic's affect in the country, the ECB quickly put its hat in the ring among potential overseas destination for the IPL 2020, having enjoyed great benefits from hosting the one-third part of the league back in 2014 due to the Lok Sabha elections here in India.
The BCCI then also decided to go for UAE, considering the way the deadly outbreak continues to wreak havoc here and the fact that the Middle East doesn't offer too much of an adjustment in terms of timings for matches.
The board will now be working closely with the ECB and UAE government to put bio-secure arrangements in place for the 60-game tournament, beginning September 19 and running till November 10.
Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will host matches. It is expected that all eight teams will start leaving India from August 20 in order to quarantine and train properly before the on-field action.
"The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events – sporting and lifestyle – and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘IPL 2020’ to the UAE," said Al Nahayan.
(Inputs from PTI)
