IPL back in the desert

Mohammad Azharuddin attends the virtual meeting from his New Delhi residence on Saturday. Pic/Anas Baqai

Just like in 2014 and 2020, the Indian Premier League (IPL) could thrive on the shores of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if all goes well with the worldwide pandemic.

The BCCI, during Saturday's Special General Meeting (SGM), which president Sourav Ganguly reportedly chaired from Mumbai, decided to resume the suspended league in the UAE in September.

Mohammad Azharuddin, the president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, was allowed to attend the virtual meeting from his New Delhi residence amidst turmoil in his association, whose apex council members wanted Shivlal Yadav to attend. As reported in mid-day on Saturday, Azharuddin had hoped the BCCI top brass would allow him to attend the vital meeting. The permission was granted via email.

"There was no other alternative [to host the remainder of IPL-14]. It is a good decision taken by the BCCI," the former India skipper said on Saturday evening.

PTI adds: It also decided to seek one month's time from the ICC to assess the Covid-19 situation in India before taking a final call on the ICC T20 World Cup.

The SGM, held virtually, lasted for about 50 minutes as the members were unanimous in their approval of the two agendas on the day.

"The SGM approved the decision to hold the remaining matches of the IPL between September to October. The dates will be intimated later," a senior state association member, who was present in the meeting, told PTI.

"In September, it's the time for retreating monsoon in India. Also, the fact that three grounds in the UAE makes it easier as we had seen in 2020." The likely dates will be between September 18 and October 10.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Suspended tournament to be finished in United Arab Emirates