IPL 2020 Update: No Bio-Secure Bubble for Indian Premier League 13 in UAE Amid Coronavirus Pandemic?
UAE is all set to be the venue for IPL 2020 with Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to host the matches. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is yet to receive formal communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Meanwhile, it has emerged that there will be no ‘bio-secure bubble’ in place in UAE for IPL 2020.
With the postponement of ICC T20 World Cup 2020, things as far as Indian Premier League 2020 (IPL 2020) are concerned have started to take some shape. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to be the venue for IPL 2020 with Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to host the matches. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is yet to receive formal communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Meanwhile, it has emerged that there will be no ‘bio-secure bubble’ in place in UAE for IPL 2020. IPL 2020 Schedule Update: Indian Premier League 13 to Begin on September 19, Night Matches to Have 7:30 PM Start; Claims Latest Report.
England and Wales Cricket Board have created a bio-secure bubble as they are hosting West Indies at home. As per a report in Times of India, the coronavirus cases in UAE are lesser than the United Kingdom and thus the bio-secure bubble may not be needed when IPL 2020 takes place in the Gulf country.
"The bio-bubble depends on the local government's policies and where the country stands when it comes to its fight against Covid-19 pandemic. By the look of things, UAE has got things under control. Like New Zealand, one could even see spectators in the stadiums. So, IPL may not need strict restrictions like England," a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by TOI. IPL 2020 Update: Would Be Exciting to Play Indian Premier League This Year, but Waiting for More Clarity, Says Kane Williamson.
Meanwhile, IPL governing council is expected to meet in 7-10 days to finalise the schedule and other things for IPL 2020. This year’s T20 league was scheduled to be held in March but was postponed indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2020 05:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).