Emirates Cricket Board looking to fill 30-50% of stadiums during IPL 2020 in UAE

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.

‘We are hopeful of getting our government’s approval’

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. The Board is looking forward to filling 30-50% of the total seats as mentioned by its secretary Mubashshir Usmani.

“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.

Notably, the coronavirus in UAE is comparatively under control as there are only 6000 active cases. 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.

UAE hosted the initial part of the IPL in UAE in 2014 and it made a big contribution to the UAE’s GDP at that time, with the whole tournament to be organized this time, it will be a major boost.