IPL 2020 : No Government nod as yet, IPL Governing Council meeting pushed to 1st Aug

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) seems to be jinxed. First it was wait for the postponement of the T20 World Cup and now the BCCI is waiting for the Central Government’s nod to conduct the event in UAE. The Indian Board had expected to receive all government permissions before the end of last week, but it is yet to be handed over. That is the reason, BCCI is yet to call for all important IPL Governing Council meeting. According to the sources, now the meeting has been pushed to 1st Aug. 

InsideSport reached out to BCCI on Monday night and were told that nod from the government can come in anytime this week. 

 

“We have to follow all government protocols. We are waiting for the nod from the government, once that is done IPL GC members will meet. All of them are on a standby and meeting will be arranged at a very short notice”, said Arun Dhumal, treasurer for the BCCI. 

 

The delay in government permission has also stopped the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) from inking “the final deal” with the BCCI, after receiving the “official letter of intent”. InsideSport had reported on Sunday that the BCCI has accepted the letter of intent by ECB. But the official deal between the two boards are yet to be inked in. Until or unless government does not give its official nod, the two boards can’t sign any MOU on the IPL 2020. 

IPL 2020 : Government nod still pending, IPL GC likely on 1st Aug

The IPL Governing Council will meet on August 1 to finalise the schedule and other key arrangements necessary for the tournament to be conducted in the UAE. Other than IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel, the meeting would also be attended by the BCCI’s office bearers including president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah and treasurer Arun Dhumal beside the other GC members. 

 

Other than the fixtures, all logistical issues will be discussed at the meeting. The eight IPL franchises and the IPL Broadcaster Star India will be informed formally about the IPL 2020 post this meeting. As earlier reported by InsideSport, recce date of the venues in UAE will also be planned during this meeting. 

IPL 2020 : BCCI asks IMG to prepare SOP’s

InsideSport has also learnt from its sources in BCCI that the Board’s interim CEO Hemang Amin has also asked event partners IMG Global to prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’S) for IPL 2020 in UAE. Not only this IMG who is also responsible for the production of the event has been asked to prepare complete blueprint for the event in UAE. 

 

Meanwhile, ECB has completely stepped up its preparations for hosting the IPL in UAE. 

 

Mubashshir Usmani, the ECB secretary-general, said on Monday that the two boards have “fully mobilised and have initiated discussions with the relevant authorities, including their respective internal working committees in preparation of hosting the tournament in a safe, protected environment.”

“There are many factors which influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world’s most exciting, popular and lucrative tournament,” said Usmani. 

“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. 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 of 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.”

Commenting on the current status of the pandemic in the UAE, Usmani said: “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 requirement stipulated by the relevant Health Authorities in regards to COVID-19 safety measures and management.”

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