Xtra Time Web Desk:
Indian Premier League’s 14th season has been suspended for indefinite period by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to the possible bio bubble breach that led to many Indian and Foreigners being infected by corona virus. Now that the mega event has been postponed indefinitely lot of speculation is being made regarding the next step for the BCCI with respect to the rescheduling of the Indian Premier League 2021.
∆ September window :
Incidentally India set to play the final match of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship at Southampton which will be followed by a five-match Test series in England and the ICC T20 World Cup. In between the busy schedule finding a month-long period to host the remainder of the IPL will not be an easy task for the cricket board.
If reports are to be believed, BCCI is contemplating resuming the biggest T20 league in September after Indian players return from their tour of England.It won’t be an easy task as India expected to host New Zealand before the T20 World Cup.
∆ Late-November window:
If IPL 2021 is resumed in this window, it will only be possible after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup which will is slated to be played between October 18 and November 15. BCCI is yet to provide any official confirmation regarding the final start date of the tournament.
IPL 2021 Remaining Season :-
1) Option 1 – UAE :-
Most likely option is to take the league to UAE as last year also they hosted it successfully. For the remaining 31 matches it is most likely to be the venue. With upsurge in covid cases in India ,UAE can also be the venue for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Indian players will finish their England tour on September 14, after which they can fly to UAE and serve a week’s quarantine and then finish the remaining matches
∆ IPL 2021 Remaining Season :-
2) Option 2 England :
Already news is out that consortium of English County Clubs have already asked ECB to offer BCCI regarding hosting the remainder of the IPL 2021. The Indian team will travel to England by end of May for the World Test Championship in June against New Zealand.
∆ IPL 2021 Remaining Season Option
3) Australia :
If Australian government eases its policies in the next four months regarding flight ban from India then Australia can be the the first time host the Indian Premier League.
∆ IPL 2021 Remaining Season :-
4) Option 4 Sri Lanka :
Sri Lanka cricket have already threw the hat in the ring in their efforts to host the remainder of 14 th season of IPL 2021. Moving the remaining matches to Sri Lanka could be helpful for BCCI. Logistically it is a very very possible option for BCCI.