The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved the decision to conduct the remaining 31 matches of IPL 2021 in UAE in the Special General Meeting (SGM) today. In a media release, the BCCI said, "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 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."
At the same time, the International Cricket Council is scheduled to meet on 1 June regarding the T20 World Cup. The board will also review the situation of COVID-19 in India before taking any decision regarding the World Cup. Meanwhile, the BCCI is eyeing for a 25-day window for the IPL. The remaining 31 matches will take place in the UAE's 3 Grounds.
The board will hold talks with other boards regarding the participation of foreign players. However, the absence of foreign players will not affect the IPL. The board will seek a month's time from the ICC for the T20 World Cup.
On the other hand, there was no discussion on the issue of payment to domestic players in SGM. 700 players affected due to the cancellation of the Ranji session. The BCCI had assured financial assistance to the players in January last year. According to sources, the issue was raised by one of the state associations, but Sourav Ganguly and Rajiv Shukla turned it down, not calling it part of the agenda.
The remaining 31 matches of the IPL can be played in the UAE from 19 September to 9–10 October. The BCCI official said that while we are also looking at the September-October window, we need to discuss in detail the logistics as well as any other challenges. The completion of the IPL just before the World Cup may beneficiate players preparing for the T20 World Cup. The T20 World Cup will take place from October 18.
