The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is hoping to get spectators in for the upcoming major tournaments they will be hosting which include the second-leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) followed by the T20 World Cup 2021.
The UAE will host the second phase of IPL 14 from September 19 to October 15 after the first-leg was held in India earlier this year was suspended owing to COVID-19 cases inside the bio-bubbles of different franchises.
The IPL will be followed by the ICC mega event from October 17 to November 14. Thus, the ECB is currently working on seeking permissions on the same from the relevant authorities.
“We are looking forward to hosting both the IPL once again and the T20 World Cup in the UAE. We have proven experience in hosting and delivering high-profile sporting events,” Mubashir Usmani, General Secretary of ECB, told Gulf News.
"Aside from a team with an exceptionally strong cricket administration pedigree, we have a UAE-wide team of highly experienced events and logistics companies and individuals, therefore we are confident in facing and working confidently through any challenges that may arise," he added.
UAE had earlier successfully hosted the entire edition of IPL 2020 and was kept as back-up for this year’s edition before the BCCI decided to host the event in India itself.
Usmani then talked about the possibility of spectators being able to witness the action from the stadium during the two events as the board is currently in talks with BCCI and ICC about their spectator requirement.
“As hosts, ECB will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed - this includes fan attendance, we will then discuss it with the BCCI as well as the ICC to assess their spectator requirements. We want our expat and Emirati sports loving fans in the UAE to be able to watch the action from the stands,” Usmani said.
(With Gulf News Inputs)
