“All the IPL games could be hosted in Mumbai”, said a source close to BCCI. There will be testing facilities made available in the IPL facility along with some system to ensure that everyone is COVID-19 free.
BCCI is currently exploring options for hosting IPL in Dubai or Sri Lanka & is also considering to host IPL in cities like Bangalore, Mohali, and Jaipur & Hyderabad to host the IPL in India. Not only these cities but BCCI is also considering hosting IPL in Mumbai despite the fact that it is the worst affected city in the world.
The Indian Board which makes about 95%of its revenue from the IPL has also shortlisted three stadiums in Mumbai i.e Wankhede, Cricket Club of India & DY Patil Stadium for a delayed series to be held in autumn this year.
Earlier BCCI also released a tentative schedule for the IPL 2020 to be conducted from September 26 to November 8 keeping in mind that the World T20 which was originally scheduled in October-November window will not commence this year.
The BCCI President Sourav Ganguly also wrote to all its state-affiliated units about organizing the cash-rich league behind closed doors. It is also emerging that since Mumbai can afford a hotel for every IPL team which will also reduce the travel expenses, the BCCI is almost sure to choose Mumbai as its IPL 2020 venue provided that the things don’t get worst in Mumbai post-monsoon.
“Mumbai is certainly the top choice for BCCI right now. We will see how things go from here. We are certain about one thing – IPL is happening,” a top source said. With the teams not able to host their matches on their home soil, each state that has been hosting IPL games would probably lose at least Rs 3.5 crore.
“But the association doesn’t need to worry because whatever BCCI would earn from IPL, it is associations’ money only,” the source explained. The Indian board is also going to issue strict guidelines to ensure the safety & well being of all its players & stakeholders of the game. There will also be testing facilities in the IPL, and there could be some system in place to ensure everyone is Covid-19 free.
“With sporting events like Bundesliga, Serie A and La Liga resuming everywhere, why can’t IPL happen?” a board official asked while adding that steps would be taken to ensure a safe environment for the game.
