IPL 2021: BCCI Yet To Discuss England's Offer Of Hosting The Tournament

After a cluster of COVID-19 cases impacting IPL 2021 to the extent of postponing it indefinitely, BCCI has received offers from various countries to host the remainder of the tournament. England and Sri Lanka are the prominent ones thus far to step forward with offers to stage the remaining 31 fixtures. Nevertheless, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal believes that it’s too early to discuss the options.

Warwickshire, Surrey and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which are based at Birmingham, Kia Oval, and Lord’s, have reportedly offered to host IPL 2021. Furthermore, Manchester’s Old Trafford ground could also come under consideration if the BCCI accepts. Nevertheless, the schedule of the bilateral series for all the countries remains a challenge.

India is currently under the grasp of a vicious second wave of COVID-19 that has brought its healthcare system to its knees. The BCCI has been clueless about how the virus managed to breach through the secure bio-bubble, contrary to the last year’s season when no infections emerged once the tournament started. Thus, hosting the competition in India even if the second wave of the outbreak comes under control does not seem viable.

Their offer has not been discussed yet: BCCI

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal claimed that they would explore all the possible options and assess the feasibility of staging the remaining matches of IPL 2021. Dhumal also commented that they have not discussed the offer yet and are currently prioritizing the preparations of the T20 World Cup in India later this year.

“We will explore all the options and see when it’s feasible to play those matches and take a call at the right time. Their offer has not been discussed yet. It’s too early. Right now, our immediate plan is finalise the preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup in India later this year. IPL is huge, and everybody wants to host IPL matches. It has a massive fan following even outside India,” Dhumal told Reuters.

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