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Debasis Sen: Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) secretary Mubashir Usmani on Thursday said he is confident of delivering a successful Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) season starting next month in UAE from September 19. In an exclusive chat with www.xtratime.in, Mr Usmani said, “We are, of course, greatly looking forward to hosting the IPL in the UAE. Aside from a team with an exceptionally strong cricket-administration pedigree we have a UAE-wide team of highly experienced events and logistics companies and individuals that will work closely with the organizers – BCCI and IPL committees. We are very confident in delivering a successful tournament.”

With the COVID-19 cases slowly getting under control across the UAE, the ECB is trying to seek Government permission to get at least 30-50% spectators in the stadiums towards the later stages of the tournament.
On being asked whether the crowds will be allowed at the later stages of the tournament, Mubashir said, “ As hosts, Emirates Cricket Board will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed, this includes fan attendance, we will then discuss with the BCCI to assess their spectator requirements. We want our Asian diaspora, as well as the other expat and Emirati sports-loving fans (in the UAE) to be able to watch the action from the stands.”

Mr Mubashir will be meeting a team comprising of BCCI hierarchy led by IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on August 22. The BCCI team will vidit UAE to do a recee of the venues, hotels and also have high level meetings with ECB and UAE Govt. officials.

“Yes, we look forward to meeting the BCCI officials. We at ECB will provide them with all the co-operation and assistance for the smooth running of the tournament,” said Mubashir.

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League will commence from September 19 next month and go on till November 10. The 53 days tournament will be played across three venues in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.