The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday said that it has received the official clearance from the BCCI to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.
Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Cabinet Member and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board said in a statement on ECB’s official website: “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.
“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.”
Also Read: IPL 13: BCCI Set To Sail Through Complications
The IPL will be held at three venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah – between September 19 and November 8. The eight teams will start leaving for the UAE from August 20.
The BCCI has also begun the hunt for a new title sponsor. Former sponsor Vivo had pulled out following a social media backlash against BCCI’s decision to retain the Chinese company as the sponsor.
The new IPL title sponsor to replace Vivo will hold the rights for only a four-and-a-half-month period and the highest bid may not necessarily end up being the winning one, the BCCI stated on Monday.
BCCI has floated the tender invite for a new sponsor on Monday. Secretary Jay Shah announced a 13-point clause for submission of the bids from interested “third parties” and the winner will be announced on August 18. The last date for submission of bids is August 14.
A top delegation of BCCI officials is expected to arrive in Dubai by the third week of August to do a recce of the venues of the UAE, which is all set to host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League.
According to reports, the team will consist of IPL chairman Brijesh Patel, Hemang Amin, interim CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and COO of IPL and they will have to quarantine themselves for six days on arrival in their hotel rooms before getting to work.
Also Read: Sturridge wants to be in the Premier League