The World T20 was delayed due to last year’s pandemic and moved from Australia to India by the ICC. Due to the Covid-19 situation in India, as the country continues to battle the pandemic, BCCI has confirmed that the T-20 World Cup has been moved to UAE. ICC had set a deadline until the end of June for BCCI to make a final decision about the T-20 World Cup.
Amidst the controversy of the IPL and finding a window for the remaining matches which is also going to be in the UAE, BCCI secretary Jay Shah will officially communicate to ICC about UAE and Oman being the host of the T-20 World Cup in October and November. While talking to ANI, Jay Shah revealed the decision of BCCI.
“We will inform ICC today that we are shifting the T20 World Cup to UAE. The dates of the tournament, the ICC needs to decide.”
Earlier, BCCI had considered hosting the ICC T20 World Cup in India and organise the second phase of IPL 2021 in the UAE. However, the COVID-19 situation and the tussle with ICC over tax exemption for the event forced BCCI to move the event.
The secretary admitted that while they are keeping a close eye on the entire situation, they had to shift the event as the safety of players and staff was paramount. Meanwhile, the IPL is scheduled from September 19, with the final on October 15. Franchises will reportedly send officials in July for logistical reasons as preparations begin for the second half of IPL 2021.
The next few months are going to be difficult for the players with matches so close to each other due to cancellations last year. With the dates for the World T20 not out yet, ICC will have the challenge to schedule the event which at moment, based on reports, is extremely close to the IPL window and will be a big concern for the players.