The race is between UAE and Sri Lanka to host the IPL: BCCI Official

The International Cricket Council is yet to give its verdict on the future of the T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in Australia later this year and it is highly unlikely that the ICC would make a decision by mid-July.

Speaking to news agency IANS, a BCCI official has stated that the Board wants to conduct the tournament this year but the current situation owing to the COVID-19 pandemic might make it difficult to do so and this will likely open the option to play the league elsewhere.

"We are yet to decide on the venue but in all probability, it is going outside this year. The condition in India doesn't look suited to have so many teams come in at one or two venues and then create an atmosphere that will be safe for the players as well as the general public even though the games may be played behind closed doors,” the official said.

The UAE and Sri Lanka emerge as the two leading options to host the IPL. The two countries remain among the least affected by COVID-19.

"The race is between UAE and Sri Lanka and we will need to decide on where we host the league depending on the situation there with regards to the coronavirus pandemic. Logistics also need to be looked into, so we will decide soon," the official added.

The official explained how the office bearers are working out the details and their ultimate goal is the health and safety of everyone who is involved. "See, it is a case of the decision-makers being divided 3-2 if that is how you wish to understand the current scenario. There are a couple of voices who feel that having the tournament should be the priority and if that means taking it out of the country, so be it. So, while we are working on the overall plan, the venue is an area that will need further deliberation. Also, at the end of the day safety of the players and everyone involved is a priority."

The IPL chairman, Brijesh Patel told The Hindu that they have received interests to host the IPL from UAE and Sri Lankan boards. "They (Emirates Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket) have informed us that they are prepared to host the IPL. But our first preference is India if we get the government's permission. It is certain that we cannot play at more than three or four venues in India, but the permissions will depend on how the COVID-19 outbreak pans out. Otherwise, we will have to explore playing overseas, which will be the last option. Once you are playing without spectators, it doesn't really matter where you are playing as long as it suits television timings."