Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has started to take a toll on sports tournaments across the globe. The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) also had to postpone its domestic tournaments including the Ranji Trophy. With the number of cases increasing exponentially in India, the commencement of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) also looks in danger. However, the BCCI has already started looking at the possibilities and alternatives to host the Indian T20 League.
According to a report, the Indian cricket board is reluctant to host the tournament outside of India. They are planning on keeping it within the country which leaves them with the option to host it behind closed doors. However, even if it is organized behind closed doors, the challenge to stop the virus from entering the bio-bubbles will be a big one.
During the 14th edition, BCCI had failed to successfully host the tournament and had to call it off midway with positive cases from team camps. The second leg was then moved to the UAE. The 13th edition as well was hosted in the UAE.
IPL 2022 Mega Auctions venue also may change
The IPL 2022 Mega Auctions which are scheduled to take place in Bengaluru next month may also see a change in the venue. The BCCI has not yet made an official statement regarding the same but reports have indicated the same. A BCCI source informed the media that the assessment of the conditions and nationwide restriction may result in the postponement as well.
“Some things are out of our hands and we must wait. Bookings and stuff will not be an issue if we have an idea about the restrictions. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in talks with the state associations. If we need to move the venue, it can be done on short notice,” a senior BCCI official said according to Zee News.
The standby cities for the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions are Kolkata, Kochi, and Mumbai.