The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday (May 4) decided to postpone the 2021 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) with immediate effect.
The decision came after multiple COVID-19 cases were reported in the bio-secure bubble of various franchises.
Three days after this development, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has insisted that the suspended IPL should happen in UK.
According to Pietersen, September would be perfect, especially because India will have just completed a Test series against England.
“I have seen people talking about the UAE as a possible destination to finish the IPL in September but I actually think that the IPL should move to the UK,” Pietersen told Betway Insider.
“There is a window in September after the England v India Test series has finished. All the best Indian players would already be there and all of the best English players would be available as well.
“Mid-to-late September is the most beautiful time in the UK. They could use Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and the two London grounds.”
Pietersen stressed on the massive support India enjoys in UK, and pointed out London Mayor Sadiq Khan's plans to bring IPL to the capital.
“I have played internationals against India – one in particular in a World T20 against India at Lord's – when it has felt like an away game because of how well Indian cricket is supported in the UK,” Pietersen said.
“Sadiq Khan has spoken about wanting to bring the IPL to London and Surrey were agreeing with it. There is also a good chance that crowds will be allowed in the grounds and there will be great atmospheres.
“The IPL has been to the UAE, it's been to South Africa, and I think England would now be the perfect place to house the remaining fixtures.”
The IPL 2021 season saw only 29 games being held in four venues – Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi – and there are 31 matches still left to be played.
