The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League had its ups and downs as the tournament was suspended indefinitely due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the bio-bubbles. BCCI later confirmed that IPL 2021 will be resumed in UAE before T-20 World Cup with a reported resumption on September 19. The next step of the process is franchises inspecting logistics in UAE.
According to ANI, franchises have decided to send officials to UAE on July 6 to complete the logistics and also to check out the COVID-19 protocols. While speaking to the news outlet, one of the franchise officials explained possible logistic problems while conducting the remaining games of IPL 2021.
“We are looking at heading to the UAE post July 6 once we get the go ahead from the BCCI and the government so that we can seal the logistical deals. Unlike last year, bulk bookings won’t be as easy this year as you will have people travelling into the country and that makes the workaround bio bubbles all the more critical.”
Another top official revealed that he had approached the BCCI to travel earlier but it would get to time to receive approval. He also said that it was a good run last time and officials are looking forward to making this tournament even better managed than the last one.
Multiple officials of different teams have shown their intent to fly to UAE. Hotels are going to be an important part and that is why it is necessary to be physically present. One of the offices added that they need to ensure that the travel staff and hotel staff are under isolation before entering the bubble and by this, they can close the logistics deal. IPL 2020 was extremely successful due to incredible logistical work and strict guidelines. BCCI will be hoping to make sure that execution will be as good as last time.
Franchises are also hopeful that overseas players will be able to take part in the remaining games of IPL 2021. English players are unlikely to feature, but players from West Indies will be present after tweaks were made in the schedule of the Caribbean Premier League. Players that will not participate in the remaining games are set to miss out on a huge chunk of their salary.