IPL 2020 can be held in Mumbai only: Report

At a time when cricket fans all around the world are waiting for the ICC decision regarding the fate of the T20 World Cup, one major IPL shareholder has suggested the idea of the Indian Premier League being held entirely in Mumbai during that window. This has come in as a piece of positive news as BCCI is looking at all possible ways to host the lucrative tournament.

Entire IPL 2020 to be played in Mumbai?

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BCCI couldn’t host the IPL during the usual April-May window. But with the ICC most likely to postpone the ICC T20 World Cup, the October-November window is now wide open and BCCI may look that as a possible opportunity to host the tournament.

But due to the recent inter-state travel restrictions imposed by the government of India due to the COVID-19, the possibility of IPL happening in 8 different venues seems a rare possibility. Of the many alternatives put forward by the people in power, one of the major IPL shareholders has suggested the tournament to be held entirely in the city of Mumbai. Mumbai with four top-class stadiums in close proximity seems like a great option. But what stands against this move is the increasing COVID cases in the city.

“It’s at a very preliminary stage but if IPL happens in India and by October, situation is under control in Mumbai, there are four top-class floodlit grounds available in Mumbai. The logistics for BCCI, broadcasters (Star Sports), maintaining a bio-bubble, everything could be managed smoothly,” another BCCI official told PTI.

IPL 2020 will happen says, Sourav Ganguly

Mumbai is the fourth-worst affected city in India. For the IPL to be able to take place in such a city, the Covid-19 situation in the city needs to get better and it has to be played in a bio-secure environment.

“Obviously, everything depends on the Covid-19 situation in Mumbai. But if there are no spectators allowed and a bio-bubble is created, then Mumbai won’t be a bad option,” the official said.

On the other hand, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had stated earlier that the board will do all within its power to ensure that the year 2020 does not end without the IPL. If the tournament doesn’t happen BCCI may lose approximately Rs 4000 crore. So it is very clear that the BCCI will look to stage the IPL this year even if it is to be played in front of empty stands.

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