Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Ever since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the resumption of IPL in the September-October window in UAE, there have been all sorts of unanswered questions regarding the same that have been popping up from all corners. And now, an update is coming in with regards to the IPL franchises.
It is being learned that the eight franchises are looking to move to the UAE by the third week of August to get things ready for the IPL resumption, tentatively planned in the September-October window. However, a final call on this will be taken after a meeting with the BCCI on COVID-19 protocols.
Recently, one of the franchise officials said that the teams have begun with the logistics and initial planning, however, the specifications would be subject to the quarantine rules that the BCCI decides with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the UAE government.
"As of now, we only have the communication that the remaining part of the IPL will be held in the UAE after Saturday's Special General Meeting. We are also aware that the BCCI office-bearers are in talks with the ECB on the plan of action and are currently in Dubai. So, once we have clarity on the protocols that will be in place, especially with regards to teams quarantining after reaching UAE, we can block the hotel rooms accordingly," the official said as quoted in an ANI report.
Franchises confident of BCCI making foreign players available
The availability of foreign players has been a major headache for BCCI as the months of September, October are lined with a busy international calendar, implying cricketers will be occupied with their national commitments. However, IPL franchises are confident that the Board will engage in constructive discussions with the foreign boards and make the foreign players available for the remainder of the tournament.
"We are confident that the BCCI will find the best possible solution and honestly it is a matter of the BCCI officials speaking to the respective board officials, so we should wait to hear from the board on this," an official stated.