New Zealand offers to host IPL 2020, confirms BCCI official

When will the IPL happen and where will it be staged? This question has been disturbing cricket fans all around the world for more than 5 months now. In one of the recent developments, a senior BCCI official has claimed that New Zealand, a country which is now COVID free has officially made an offer to the BCCI on staging the mega event.

New Zealand offers to host IPL 2020

New Zealand, a country that is now almost COVID free has made an offer to the BCCI regarding hosting the thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League. The country is now back to the normal stage and no new cases have been reported. On the other hand, the situation in India is getting worse day by day. Considering the loss in revenue that will happen if the IPL doesn’t happen, the BCCI may look forward to hosting the tournament outside India, if there is no other choice.

“Staging the event in India has to be the first choice but in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options. UAE, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have also offered to host the IPL,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

“We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams etc.) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that,” the official said.

UAE still the front runner to host IPL 2020

But despite having better safety standards, New Zealand may not be the front runner for the race for IPL hosting rights. UAE, which has once successfully staged the mega event stand in as the front runner due to less time difference with Indian Standard Time. Sri Lanka, another Island nation that has offered their hand in hosting the tournament has also great chance as they provide the most cost-effective way to stage the tournament outside India.

Earlier, the entire 2009 season of the IPL was held successfully in South Africa and in 2014, the initial portion of the tournament was staged in UAE due to the general elections in India. Despite all these offers from foreign countries, BCCI still will give first preference to staging the tournament in India.

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