Looking at the case load and current situation of Covid-19 in the country Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring all options including overseas Indian Premier League (IPL) in face of rising cases of Covid-19 which poses a threat to the glitzy league.
Earlier Sports Tak had reported that BCCI is concerned about how the dreaded virus spreading its tentacles in the country and keeping a close eye on the situation. However, their focus and priority is to stage the upcoming IPL in India but exploring all options including overseas tournament.
"As of now we have not taken any call on venues of IPL but yes in coming days will reassess the the situation. We are in touch with all the stakeholders and government and trying to stage this year's IPL in our country only, but if number of cases will not drop we might shift the tournament outside India. As of now we have not approached by any overseas board for it but we are preparing our backup plans and have some places in our mind. We might approach Cricket South Africa/ Sri Lanka /UAE or any other board who comes to us. But it all depends on the situation at that time. There are so many things involved and will have to take government's permission as well. For now, we are working on our India plan as rest of the plan is Just back-up," a source privy to the development said.
“Around mid February or March we will see how the situation is. If the case load will not drop then will have to create cluster where four or five stadiums are there and no air travel is required and we are looking for it but as of now no decision has been taken. Will take a call as per the Covid situation in the country,” the source added.
Although the emergence of Omicron in Africa might cause a problem, there is enough evidence to suggest that the infections are on a decline and the continent might be back on the menu to hold sporting events.
The 2020 edition was entirely held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the 2021 IPL was initially scheduled to be held in India behind closed doors, the league had to be postponed halfway through due to a rising number of cases within the bio-bubbles amidst the deadly second wave of the virus in the country.
It was then resumed and completed later in the year in the UAE.
Recently, the Indian cricket board recently postponed all upcoming domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, due to the pandemic.
