Emirates Cricket Board confirms receiving official clearance from BCCI to host IPL 2020

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially given the clearance of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to host the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Indian Government officially gave permission to the BCCI to shift the tournament outside the country due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation. The ECB has also confirmed the same and the IPL is now safe and set to start on September 19.

The Indian board has released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all the team to follow as well. The franchises have already initiated the visa process and the teams are likely to leave for the UAE between August 20 and August 23. For now, the first half of the tournament is set to be played behind closed doors and then the situation will be monitored to allow the spectators.

The ECB Chairman Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan expressed his delight while acknowledging BCCI’s official clearance. He also said that the board is privileged to host the most prestigious event in the cricket calendar during these difficult times and they understand the importance of it as well.

“We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle-event of our favourite sport. The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance.

“This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports-fans; here in the UAE, in India and across the world,” he said in an official statement.

UAE previously hosted IPL in 2014

Previously, the UAE successfully played hosts to 20 matches of the IPL 2014 when the tournament clashed with the general elections in India. The ECB Chairman also sought attention towards the fact that they have been successfully hosting different countries over the years.

“The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events – sporting and lifestyle – and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment.

“We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘IPL 2020’ to the UAE,” Al Nahayan added. All the matches during the IPL are set to be played in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai.