We are waiting for official confirmation: Emirates Cricket Board

On Wednesday, 22nd July, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced that they are awaiting official communication by the BCCI to host IPL 2020.

"We are awaiting final confirmation from BCCI regarding being the host nation. There is also the final condition of BCCI gaining approval from the Indian government that they can host the IPL outside India," the Emirates Cricket Board said in a statement to ANI.

After ICC’s announcement to postpone the T20 World Cup, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed that the thirteenth edition of the IPL will now take place in the UAE.

"IPL 2020 which was postponed due to coronavirus will now be held in UAE," Patel had told ANI.

Another significant thing that needs to be noted is that the BCCI is currently in talks with the Government of India in order to obtain clearance, and it is certain that all necessary work will be completed within the next 10-14 days.

The latest reports claim that the BCCI Governing Council is expected to meet on 24 July through video conferencing and the primary subject matter here would be to draft a schedule for the IPL along with a few more decisions.

According to Times of India Sources, the BCCI is working on a proposal to start the league a week before what had already been discussed and to commence all matches at 7:30 PM IST (6 PM UAE). "They want to avoid the 4 pm matches, right? So, this option is available to them, to advance the start by a week. They should take it. If Star is so keen on an extended window for IPL - right now, 60 matches in 44 days - they should make an official request for a week's advancement, no?"

The BCCI has reportedly given broadcasters Star the option between an early the start to the IPL by a week or a three-game limited-over series featuring India vs South Africa in the UAE ahead of the IPL.