The effects of the pandemic felt in full force in India, The Board of Control for Cricket in India has been put into action to take calls on many important tournaments set to take place this year. Firstly during BCCI’s Special General Meeting, it was formally decided that the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League 2021 will be held in the United Arab Emirates September-October this year with Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi finalized as venues.
Many had largely expected this outcome, The official confirmation was taken on Saturday, May 29 to move the remainder of IPL 2021 to the UAE. There are 31 matches in the remaining fixtures that are yet to be played as part of the IPL 2021. The likely dates are mooted to be between September 18 and October 10 of this year. All this comes as a result of IPL being suspended earlier this year when the player bubbles were deemed unsafe.
The biggest obstacle to come to light will be the non-availability of foreign players, as England and Wales Cricket Board has already stated that it won't release its players for the unfinished tournament. Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, and other England players who were involved in this year's competition are set to miss the 2nd phase of the season.
Doubts also remain on the availability of the Australian and New Zealand players, as neither cricketing boards of the respective countries have come out with official statements. The franchises will look to take replacements, both from India and overseas, to refurbish their squad and make up for missing players.
Adding on to the victim list, Indian domestic cricket joined its ranks. It was confirmed that the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has suspended the fifth edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League for an indefinite time, as the state is under lockdown and would face logistical difficulties. The Ranji Trophy campaign has also been canceled for the year due to Covid-19 and cramped schedule, With the players being appropriately compensated as a point for discussion.
With the T20 World Cup also set to be held in India this year, ICC had been looking into alternative venues considering the severity of the virus resulting in India being the most affected country in present times. Although BCCI has maintained its wishes to organize the event in India itself, in the hope the covid-19 risks would subside by then, But it is not a sentiment shared by the rest of the cricketing fraternity.
Again UAE is seen as a possible venue for the T20 World Cup to be held. But amongst all these developments, BCCI has sought more time from the International Cricket Council to take a final decision on hosting the upcoming T20 World Cup.
With UAE already seen as a venue for domestic tournaments such as the PSL and IPL, and taking into consideration what the Indian nation is going through. The chances of the T20 World Cup being held in India itself are slim.
The consequences of the novel coronavirus have pushed BCCI into overdrive to find solutions to various questions raised as they struggle to make way for the cricket that needs to be played for this year.
As per the latest report, the 7th place KKR side will have to resume their campaign without their key all-rounder Pat Cummins, who confirmed earlier on Sunday about his unavailability due to the mental stress and workload caused by the bio-bubble. The availability of the other Australians are yet to be determined.
