IPL 2021 Remaining matches | BCCI-ECB Discussion on upcoming test series | T20 World Cup | All you need to know about the dubiety:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is desperate for completion of IPL 2021. Several reports earlier stated that the BCCI is in discussion with England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to make some changes in the schedule of five match test series between India and England- so that IPL Phase 2 can be accommodated before the T20 World Cup.
No official request been made
British media had reported about a possible approach from the BCCI to advance the first Test, starting August 4, by a week so that the remaining 31 matches of the League could be held.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said they plan to follow the original schedule since their Indian counterparts have not yet made any official request for a change.
“We talk to the BCCI on a regular basis about a wide range of issues especially as we address the challenges of COVID-19 but have had no official request to change dates and are continuing to plan for the five Test series as scheduled,” an ECB spokesperson told PTI
India — England test series starts on 4th August and will go on till 14th Sep. If BCCI can convince ECB to alter the schedule a bit, they will have longer window to complete IPL Phase 2 before ICC T20 World Cup which is expected to begin sometime 3rd week of October.
When approached, a BCCI source said the Board is certainly exploring options but the ECB has not been approached officially.
“The situation is pretty fluid now. There are options that are being explored but no official request has yet been sent.” a BCCI source said.
The Test series as of now is scheduled to conclude at Old Trafford. The fifth Test will begin on September 10. The game match is expected to attract a big crowd and Lancashire county has already started selling the tickets.
UK remains the most viable option:
• Indian team for the next few months will be based out of England for WTC Finals & 5 match test series against the English team. Instead of traveling back to some other country and follow new quarantine norms — BCCI would prefer staying in England. Moreover it will be easier for players from other nations as well to feel comfortable is England instead of any other destination — because Covid-19 situation is in control in UK.
• The English counties themselves have shown interest in hosting the IPL, with backing of the ECB.
• If BCCI can convince ECB to alter the schedule of India-England Test series, the question of availability of England players can be handled.
When will the final decision be taken?
The BCCI has called for a Special General Meeting (SGM) to discuss on May 29th in which ‘upcoming cricket season’ will be discussed. Though the main point on the agenda would be how to organize T20 World Cup in India — but BCCI members surely would discuss the possible avenues to organize IPL Phase 2.
The meeting will be crucial on the way forward for both T20 World Cup in India & also for IPL Phase 2. Immediately after BCCI meeting on May 29th, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected hold a meeting on June 1 to decide on the venue for the T20 World Cup, and the BCCI plans to discuss the way forward with hosting the tournament in October-November.
The BCCI SGM meeting will be held virtually on May 29.
— Raman Kosta
