The International Cricket Council (ICC) is keen on moving the men’s T20 World Cup to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The governing body is also considering keeping Oman as an additional venue to host the tournament.
On May 29, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during its Special General Meeting (SGM) requested the ICC for some more time to arrive at a conclusion on staging the T20 World Cup. As per the reports, the richest cricketing body has been allowed time until June 28 to determine whether or not India can host the mega event.
"The ICC Board has requested management focus its planning efforts for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 on the event being staged in the UAE with the possibility of including another venue in the Middle East," the ICC said in a media release on Tuesday.
"A final decision on the host country will be taken later this month. The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played."
Last week, it was also reported that the BCCI will conclude the remaining 31 games of the 2021 Indian T20 league in the Emirates. With the ever-rising COVID-19 cases, and the projected third-wave around the corner, the BCCI didn’t fancy staging the concluding part of the cash-rich league in India.
Although the BCCI did mention the tentative dates for the resumption of the Indian T20 League, the official verdict is still awaited. The BCCI is now working overtime on ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament.
The UAE’s reputation to carry out high-octane events without any concerns in the recent past has garnered tremendous interest from various cricketing boards. The manner in which the 2020 edition of the Indian T20 League was staged is testimony to their efficiency and professionalism.
Featured photo: AFP / Jewel Samad
