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BCCI Mulling the Idea of a Mumbai-Only IPL Played in a Biosecure Bubble


BCCI Mulling the Idea of a Mumbai-Only IPL Played in a Biosecure Bubble
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As per new reports, one of the major stakeholders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has pitched the possibility of a Mumbai only IPL. It is said that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) was mulling hosting the IPL in the September-October timeframe, but since there’s no concrete information on the future of the men’s ICC World T20 tournament, the BCCI is not in a situation to take any calls on the matter.

As per the Mumbai-only IPL proposal, games will be played across the three stadiums of the city - Wankhede, Brabourne, and DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. However, the official mentioned that there are four floodlit grounds available in the city. 

Speaking to PTI, the official said - “It’s at a very preliminary stage but if IPL happens in India and by October, situation is under control in Mumbai, there are four top-class floodlit grounds available in Mumbai. The logistics for BCCI, broadcasters (Star Sports), maintaining a bio-bubble, everything could be managed smoothly.”

“Obviously, everything depends on Covid-19 situation in Mumbai. But if there are no spectators allowed and a bio-bubble is created, then Mumbai won’t be a bad option,” the official added.

Also Read - BCCI Postpones IPL 2020 Indefinitely Amid Lockdown

The Men’s ICC World T20 tournament is scheduled to begin in October, though the coronavirus pandemic has put a question on its smooth functioning. The event is scheduled to be played across Australia, which has recently reported a big spike in COVID-19 cases, leading to more uncertainty over the tournament.

As per the schedule put up by the ICC prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, India is slated to play South Africa in its first official game of the tournament on October 24. However, it seems very likely that this tournament may be delayed or even cancelled entirely.

The BCCI is expected to lose up to Rs 4,000 crore if the IPL doesn’t go through this year. With this in mind, board president Saurav Ganguly has said that the BCCI is making sure that 2020 doesn’t end without an IPL, which leaves the window open for a late-2020 IPL, possibly in a biosecure bubble. 

England is slated to take on West Indies in the first of the three test match series beginning on July 8. As per the protocols set up by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), matches will be played with empty stands, and players’ movements off the field will be severely restricted as they are to remain in the biosecure bubble for the remainder of the series. The way this series is conducted could set a benchmark for how Cricket, one of the most popular sports in India, is resumed again in a safe environment.

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