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IPL 2021 to resume in UAE after suspension due to Covid-19 surge in India

Written by Vipin Darwade

BCCI’s Special General Meeting on Saturday decided that the remaining part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will be held in the United Arab Emirates. BCCI has decided to make the expected move to the UAE in view of monsoon in India around September-October when it wants to host the remaining 31 IPL games.

As earlier reported by Sports Today, IPL 2021 is set to resume either on September 19 or 20 while the final is likely to play played on October 10. BCCI’s delegation with top management will travel to the UAE in a couple of days to start detailed planning on arrangements for conducting the remainder of IPL 2021.

IPL 2021 was postponed on May 4 after 6 players, 2 support staff members and a bus cleaner tested positive for coronavirus. Only 29 matches were played in the 60-game league till May 2.

There are 31 remaining matches in the IPL 2021. It will be the first time that the IPL will be held in UAE for two consecutive years. Notably, the entire tournament was played in the UAE last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis in India.

The BCCI was actively looking for a window to conduct the remainder of IPL 2021 ever since the tournament was postponed. There are no international matches concerning the Future Tour Programme (FTP) of the ICC between the period the BCCI has reportedly zeroed in on, i.e. late September to early October.

The BCCI SGM further authorised the Office Bearers to seek an extension of time from the ICC to take an appropriate call on the hosting of ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

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Vipin Darwade