Since the day BCCI officials have announced that the IPL will be played from 19th September, the speculation on the cash-rich league is on an all-time high. With IPL being the biggest tournament to be played during the pandemic, how everything will be arranged is very interesting. While the franchises have to make their own bio-secure environment and have to make sure everyone is safe. BCCI also have a lot of things on its plate as the time is running out.
The cricket or any other sport is being played without the spectators at the moment. However, with IPL being the apex tournament of the world cricket the crowd always remains a big factor. The decision is to be made by the UAE government but BCCI is surely putting its best effort to make it happen. The spectators bring revenue and also a better experience while watching the game on television.
Once BCCI gets the government’s approval for arranging the IPL in UAE, the UAE government will look forward to making the decision. The Emirates Cricket Board is also looking forward to the confirmation as it will be the biggest event ever hosted by UAE.
According to the UAE Cricket Board secretary, Mubashshir Usamani, they were looking to fill the stadium between 30-50% capacity.
“Once we get the confirmation from the BCCI (on Indian government’s approval), we will go to our government with the complete proposal and SOPs which will be prepared by us and the BCCI,” said Usmani as quoted by Hindustan Times.
“We will definitely want our people to experience this prestigious event but it is totally the government’s decision. For most events here, the number ranges from thirty to 50 per cent capacity, we are looking at a similar number. We are hopeful of getting our government’s approval on that,” he added.
With the novel Coronavirus relatively under control when compared to India’s situation, UAE looks like a safe haven for the 2020 season of IPL to kick-off. Usmani appreciated the government on the same and mentioned that the infrastructure in UAE is of high standards and even if the teams will come to UAE in advance, they can provide all training facilities to them.
The 2014 season of the IPL was hosted partly by the UAE which provide a massive boost to the GDP. With the 2020 season all set to be played entirely in the UAE, this setup is sure to give the economy a great helping hand.
