The COVID-19 has shattered the hopes of many cricketers as well as the followers of the captivating game. Due to the significant outbreak of the deadly disease, the much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 got postponed. Originally, it was all set to begin from March 29 this year, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to suspend the 13th edition of the lucrative league for an indefinite period in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Although BCCI gave hints that it is exploring all options to organise IPL this year but considering the current situation of COVID cases in India, it doesn’t look like the cash-rich league would take place here in the coming months. So far, the country has seen over 6 lakh positive cases, and the figures are increasing day by day.
In the recent past, few reports had come up stating that IPL can be shifted to another country. Meanwhile, famous cricket commentator Aakash Chopra, on his YouTube channel, has analysed three nations which can host the IPL 2020.
Chopra started the proceedings by naming Sri Lanka as his first choice. The green Island has fought COVID-19 pandemic superbly. In the past as well, Sri Lanka has shown interest in organising the exciting league. As per Chopra, there are three stadiums in Lanka– P Premadasa, P Sara Oval and Sinhalese Sports Club – that can host IPL matches.
Chopra picked United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the second country that can host the lucrative league. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes UAE would be bracing itself up to organise IPL as it will undoubtedly boost its economy. UAE also has three stadiums to host the games.
The last country in the list of Chopra was New Zealand. However, Chopra opined that the short grounds and difference in time zones might be a problem if IPL games take place there.
IPL 2020 may happen in UAE or Sri Lanka says BCCI official
As per IANS, BCCI might move the IPL 2020 to Sri Lanka or UAE if the COVID-19 situation deteriorates in India. A BCCI official gave hints that the exciting tournament is moving out this year. He said that Sri Lanka and UAE are the front-runners of hosting the 13th season of IPL.
“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 which 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 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,” he added.
