IPL shifted to UAE as BCCI seeks T20 World Cup extension

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued an update over the suspended IPL season, as well as the T20 World Cup.

 
 

The Indian Premier League season will be completed in the United Arab Emirates during September and October this year.

A statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday outlined the planned resumption of a campaign that was suspended in early May amid the worsening coronavirus crisis within the country.

The 2021 edition of the Twenty20 tournament was halted following positive cases within the IPL bubble, forcing fixtures to be rearranged.

However, the BCCI's media release said the switch in location had been made to avoid clashing with the monsoon season in India, which usually begins in late May or early June and continues through into October.

Last year's tournament was staged entirely in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Mumbai Indians winning a fifth title by beating Delhi Capitals in the final.

As well as announcing a new venue for the IPL, the BCCI revealed they will "seek an extension" from the International Cricket Council over a decision on the T20 World Cup, which India is due to stage in October and November.

"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced to complete the remaining matches of VIVO Indian Premier League 2021 season in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) considering the monsoon season in India in the months of September-October this year," the BCCI statement read.

"The decision was taken at a special general meeting (SGM) held virtually, where members unanimously agreed to resume IPL.

"The BCCI SGM further authorised the office bearers to seek an extension of time from the ICC to take an appropriate call on the hosting of ICC T20 World Cup 2021."

The fifth and final Test of India's series in England begins at Old Trafford on September 10.