Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The biggest question regarding IPL 2022 right now is - Where will the upcoming season be conducted? Amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation in India, there have been reports that BCCI is planning to host the season in Mumbai and Pune to ensure that no air travel is required. However, a final decision has not yet been taken with South Africa and UAE having also been kept as back-up options.
As per Cricbuzz, CSA has now submitted a blue-print to BCCI which gives a fair idea about a general layout of how the tournament could be organized amid the pandemic.
Here is everything you need to know about possibility of IPL 2022 in South Africa:
What will be the venues for IPL 2022?
As per the plan of action reportedly submitted by CSA, they plan to stage the tournament at 4 venues with Johannesburg as the centre (where a bio-bubble can be created). The possible stadiums are as follows:
- Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- Centurion Park, Pretoria
- Willowmoore Park, Benoni
- Senwes Cricket Stadium, Potchefstroom
Since all the mentioned venues are in driving distance from one another, this would mean that flight travel can be avoided which is something that BCCI would be quite keen about, considering the current state of pandemic.
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Are there more stadiums available, if required?
Notably, CSA have also given an alternative option if there is a requirement of more venues. With 74 matches set to be played in IPL 2022, they have offered to host the tournament in two phases. While one part can go ahead in Johannesburg, the remainder can be held in Cape Town at Newlands Stadium and Boland Park (Paarl).
However, in this case, there would be flight travel involved between the two centres (Johannesburg and Cape Town).
Is hosting IPL 2022 in South Africa a viable option?
According to the sources, South Africa is seemingly looking a pretty feasible and viable option. It has been told that the hotel tariffs in the country would be significantly cheaper than what the franchises had to pay in UAE in last couple of years.
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Is BCCI considering this option?
As per reports, a few BCCI officials are in favour of hosting the tournament in South Africa. The two boards share a good relationship with each other, which could also be a huge factor in the negotiations. Notably, the COVID-19 situation in the country has also improved with reducing number of cases. Considering the recently-concluded series between South Africa and India was also conducted without any issues, it could well be an option worth considering.
What is the deadline to take final decision?
The deadline to take the final call on venue for IPL 2022 has been set as February 20. Notably, BCCI would want to look at the pandemic situation for few more days before taking the decision.