UAE Cricket Board Says Ready to Host IPL 2020: Report

The Emirates Cricket Board has confirmed that it had expressed interest in hosting the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) if India decides to shift the cash-rich T20 tournament to a different location in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 13th IPL was scheduled to start in late March but it was postponed indefinitely due to the global health crisis.

There is speculation that in case the T20 World Cup in Australia is not held this year, the BCCI might lock an October window for the IPL.

“In the past, Emirates Cricket Board has successfully hosted IPL matches in UAE. We have a proven record of being hosts as a neutral venue for various bilateral and multi-nation cricket activities in the past,” its general secretary Mubashshir Usmani was quoted as saying by Gulf News.

“Our state-of-the-art venues and facilities make the Emirates a desired place for hosting all types of cricket," Usmani said.

"We have come forward and offered our venues to both England and India. We have also hosted matches involving England team on multiple occasions previously. If our offer is taken up by either of the Boards, then we will be pleased to facilitate hosting of their matches,” he added.

Sri Lanka Cricket has also expressed interest to host the IPL.