BCCI gives nod to Emirates Cricket Board to host IPL

'... both boards will be working together from now on to stage the tournament.'

Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Sunday confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent the acceptance letter to the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

"Yes, we have sent the acceptance letter to the ECB and both the boards will be working together from now on to stage the tournament," Khaleej Times quoted Patel as saying.

Later on Monday, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that it has received the official Letter of Intent from the BCCI to host the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League.

"We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government which will ink the final deal," Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket Board Secretary-General said in an official statement.

"There are many factors that influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world's most exciting, popular, and lucrative tournament. This is a massive movement of people and equipment and we now need to bring in the experts to discuss all aspects of UAE hosting the IPL," Usmani said.

"This includes the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Sports Councils, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah Tourism Bodies and the respective Government entities - such as the Police Forces and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, all who have had strong, proven experience in such activities and we will work together to ascertain the best practices to support and deliver on a successful edition," he added.

UAE had earlier hosted the first half of the 2014 IPL because of the Lok Sabha elections in India.

Commenting on the current situation regarding CoVid-19 Usmani stated that: "Firstly, we are extremely pleased with how the UAE Government responded to the virus, which was as early as February and we continue to see encouraging numbers across the country - in decreasing cases and increasing recoveries." "Secondly, we will fully support any requirements stipulated by the relevant Health Authorities in regards to COVID-19 safety measures and management."

According to the Khaleej Times, ECB had sent the proposal to the BCCI in April to host the 13th edition of the IPL, which was originally scheduled to commence on March 29 in India. However, the tournament was postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, Patel said that the eight IPL franchises -- Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab and the Royal Challengers Bangalore -- will hold their respective pre-tournament training camps in the UAE.

He said that the training camps will be held in the UAE in a bio-secure environment and "the teams need at least three to four weeks to prepare for the tournament".

Earlier on Friday, Patel confirmed that the 2020 edition of IPL will commence on September 19 in the UAE and continue till November 8.

"The fans will enjoy the full tournament from September 19 to November 8 and further course of action will be discussed with the franchises in the Governing Council meeting," he told ANI.

The postponement of this year's Men's T20 World Cup by the International Cricket Council (ICC) provided the much-needed window to stage this year's IPL.