IPL 2021 rescheduled

IPL Trophy Pic Credit: BCCI/IPL

Ever since the IPL 2021 was suspended in the month of May, there have been speculations whether the remaining matches will happen this year or will it be cancelled. The speculations have been almost put to an end as the remainder of the matches are most likely to resume in September. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at the September-October window, ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled to start on October 18.

BCCI is reportedly looking at UAE as the potential venue to host the remaining 31 matches of IPL. Cricket stadiums in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi have been finalised for the remainder of the tournament, claim reports.

However, the September-October period is marked by a packed international calendar for most of the countries. Most of the foreign players will be busy with their commitments for their national sides.

Many foreign players likely to miss remainder of IPL 2021

The busy international calendar is worrying the BCCI as the foreign players’ availability stands doubtful. The Indian cricket board is looking to conduct the remainder of the tournament immediately after the 5th Test against England. In this case, the England-bound Indian players will be joining IPL’s bio-bubble directly from England and will not have to undergo the mandatory quarantine.

However, this won’t be the case with the rest of the countries. Given the bio-bubble protocols and quarantine restrictions, many players might be caught in the quarantine protocols at UAE even if they are available during the dates. In addition to the worry, the ECB and New Zealand Cricket have made it very clear that they would give importance to their national commitments over IPL, if the dates clash.