IPL Governing Council and BCCI decide to postpone IPL 2021 Tournament with immediate effect

[MenInG]

A week back the Indian Premier League (IPL) chief executive told the players to play for "humanity" and assured them that they were "totally safe" within the confines of the tournament's biosecure bubble. A week on, the bubble has burst, the tournament postponed indefinitely with the franchises and the BCCI standing to lose over Rs 2000 crore. A spate of positive cases among players and staff led to IPL 2021 being postponed on Tuesday. So, what caused the bio-bubble breach?

The bio-bubble in UAE for IPL 2020 was managed by Restrata, a professional company well versed in tracking devices and bio-secure solutions. This time, the IPL decided to go local, leaving matters in the hands of hospital vendors and testing labs, which were expected to replicate the process.

Air travel was the biggest worry as IPL 2021 was scheduled to be held across six cities. NDTV has learned two players and one team coach contracted COVID-19 while travelling through the airport terminus. Teams had demanded tarmac access from state governments, which was denied, thus risking the players. In UAE, there was no air travel.

The tracking device worn by players were at times faulty. They were purchased from a Chennai-based company that failed to live up to the standards, hence forcing BCCI to only make assumptions on where and how players could have contracted the dreaded virus.

There was a big question over testing and quarantine protocols of people outside the bubble who were essential for running the tournament. These people include ground staff, hotel staff, ground catering, net bowlers, DJs and drivers. Multiple cities meant a larger cluster of people who kept changing.

The processes of management were more robust in the UAE

Until the last week food delivery from outside was allowed.

BCCI left it to each franchise to create its own bubble for players, members, and staff, instead of a central agency like IMG managing the tournament.

Despite the Covid cases rising in India, the BCCI top brass was determined to have the tournament in the country. The IPL governing council and the franchises had proposed a move to the UAE, like last year.

https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2021/ai...y-how-the-ipl-bio-bubble-was-breached-2428014

 

[Savak]

Shocking that the made the same mistakes as the PCB and learnt zero lessons from the PSL debacle

 

[RamLakhan]

Shocking that the made the same mistakes as the PCB and learnt zero lessons from the PSL debacle

They are now telling that IPL 2021 was an experimentation to know whether to host World T20 or not... World T20 will be moved to UAE....

 

[OMB]

10-minute call decided IPL fate

Fear of more cases, players reluctant to travel, single venue being impractical gave governing council no other option.

An online meeting of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council lasted just 10 minutes on Tuesday morning before it was decided to postpone the tournament indefinitely. BCCI secretary Jay Shah told attendees that it was untenable to carry on because of the breach in the IPL bio-bubble. The secretary told the GC members that the safety of the players was most important and the only option was to postpone the tournament.

A member in the meeting wanted the tournament to go on, but the majority was in favour of postponement for now. Covid-19 cases were detected in Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals on Tuesday to go with those in Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings the previous day. Once Shah spoke to the officials, the next course of action was as clear as daylight for the governing council.

The tournament which the BCCI was conducting in the midst of a raging pandemic in India had to be called off midway, with 29 games played and 31 left to be conducted.

The Indian cricket board had run out of options because of multiple reasons, with fear of more players testing positive looming. The rise in the number of cases within the IPL bio-bubble in Delhi and Ahmedabad was a setback. Players were wary of travelling to Kolkata and Bangalore, venues for the next leg, because both cities have been witnessing a steady increase in new Covid-19 cases.

No other option

BCCI officials also realised it was impractical to set up a new bio-bubble for all the teams in a single city to reduce travel.

“Frankly, things started unravelling once the positive cases emerged within the bio-bubble. We don’t know how many players, coaches and support staff will test positive in the next few days. The secure bio-bubble no longer existed and everyone was worried. There was no other option. We could not continue with the tournament,” a top BCCI official, who was part of the meeting, told The Indian Express.

The BCCI considered suspending the tournament for a week and then holding double-headers to make up for lost time, but the possibility of positive cases increasing in the days to come was seen as too big a risk.

“We have no other choice other than postponing the tournament as more cases were detected in the past few days. We had kept all precautions and protocols in place but the virus still sneaked in. We had a discussion and we all felt that it’s the right time to postpone the tournament,” informed BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.

Teams out of action

Things took a turn for the worse when two more teams reported players testing positive, taking the number of Covid-19 cases, including non-playing members, to six. Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha had tested positive on Tuesday. This was followed by reports of spinner Amit Mishra testing positive in the Delhi Capitals camp.

Both teams would have to isolate for six days as per Covid-19-related Standard Operating Procedure which would have resulted in a scheduling nightmare.

Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings were already in isolation after positive results of two players and two non-playing members respectively.

On Monday, KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy and medium pacer Sandeep Warrier tested positive, forcing the postponement of their game against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

CSK chief executive Kasi Viswanathan and bowling coach Laxmipathy Balaji, too, tested positive although Viswanathan’s second test returned negative, while Balaji was asymptomatic. CSK, on Monday evening itself, had informed the BCCI about their inability to play the match against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.


Travel too risky

A BCCI official also said that the sentiment leaned towards calling off the tournament because players would have had to travel for the next leg to Bangalore and Kolkata, cities where Covid-19 cases are on the rise.

Just last week, after three Australian players decided to head back home, BCCI interim CEO Amin had assured everyone that the bio-bubble was safe. However, things have changed since.

“The BCCI does not want to compromise on the safety of the players, support staff and the other participants involved in organising the IPL. This decision was taken keeping the safety, health and well-being of all the stakeholders in mind,” the IPL said in its statement.

“These are difficult times, especially in India, and while we have tried to bring in some positivity and cheer, however, it is imperative that the tournament is now suspended and everyone goes back to their families and loved ones in these trying times. The BCCI will do everything in its powers to arrange for the secure and safe passage of all the participants in IPL 2021.”

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/10-minute-call-decided-ipl-2021-fate-7302305/

 

[silentkiller187]

They are now telling that IPL 2021 was an experimentation to know whether to host World T20 or not... World T20 will be moved to UAE....

For all those that are saying WT20 is an after thought in comparison to the IPL. it was obvious IPL was the guinea pig , BCCI tried to prove their worth and failed spectacularly, only right the wt20 gets moved to UAE now, PSL should follow too otherwise it will be headed for the same end game.

 

[MenInG]

Mike Hussey will be left behind in India to recover from COVID-19 as Australian players, commentators and support staff flee the coronavirus-ravaged country following the postponement of the IPL.

Hussey, batting coach for the Chennai Super Kings, returned a second positive test on Tuesday, forcing him into 10 days’ isolation at the IPL team’s hotel in Delhi.

Cricket Australia gave an update on the Australian cricketers, commentators and coaches stranded in India following the postponement of the Indian Premier League season.

“I am OK”, Hussey told the Herald and The Age via text on Wednesday night.

Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association confirmed that the remainder of the 38 Australian players, commentators and support staff at the tournament would be flown to either the Maldives and Sri Lanka by the IPL.

There is talk among those on the ground in India that the Australian contingent may leave in groups, possibly as early as Thursday, so that the entire party is not adversely affected if a person was to return a positive test.

They will wait out the Australian government’s travel ban on flights from India, due to end no earlier than May 15, before being flown home on a plane chartered by the IPL to undergo a fortnight of quarantine in Australia.

Some had been in the dark as to their route out of India on Wednesday afternoon, even after CA and the ACA had announced their media call to update the impact of the IPL postponement on the Australians.

Australian great Michael Hussey has tested positive for COVID-19. He was in India as a batting coach for the Chennai Super Kings franchise.

The Herald and The Age have been told of one Australian who, despite being able to leave his room was not doing so, presumably to minimise his chances of contracting the disease.

Though Hussey’s symptoms were mild on Wednesday, there is anxiety among cricket figures his condition could deteriorate in a country where the medical system has been swamped.

ACA chief executive Todd Greenberg said Hussey was in good spirits despite contracting the virus and his IPL franchise had set up a support network. The team manager of the Chennai Super Kings franchise will remain to support Hussey.

“His symptoms are relatively mild, so he’s in for a stint of isolation in his hotel for at least 10 days, but his team have got some really good support systems around him, which is good,” Greenberg said.

He claimed no special requests had been made for the players when they returned to Australia.

“This is a two-step process,” Greenberg said. “The first step is getting them out of India and the next step is getting them safely home.

“We’re still waiting to hear what the government are going to do post-May 15 and once we have that confirmation we’ll put the next start step in place.”

Greenberg claimed the sudden banning of flights from India had caused the players anxiety.

“They signed up for India [the IPL] with their eyes wide open about some of the challenges and risks when they went in. That’s stating that up front. They always know they would have to do isolation for 14 days.

“What they didn’t expect was the borders would be closed so that created some anxiety for them, as it created for the 9000 Australians over there waiting to come home.

“The public will see our best Australian cricketers as almost superheroes. They brilliant athletes and great cricketers, but they’re human beings, they’re people.

“Some of them are fathers and husbands and they’re under enormous amounts of stress over there.”

CA interim chief executive Nick Hockley defended the governing body’s decision to allow the players to play in the IPL despite the global pandemic.

“The IPL put so much effort into putting on the tournament,” he said. “They obviously did that on the best information at the time.”

Hockley praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the way they were looking after the Australians at the IPL.

“The BCCI have been absolutely fantastic,” Hockley said. “Not only are they committed to the first movement to either the Maldives or Sri Lanka but also committed to putting them on a charger to bring them back to Australia.”

https://amp.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...0210505-p57p89.html?__twitter_impression=true

 

[KingKhanWC]

What a farce & embarrasment for BCCI.

Indians are dying on the streets ,cant get hospital beds or oxegyn, yet BBCI and it's supporters on here , were arrogant in thinking the IPL bubble is impregnable.

This episode makes the PSL look like geniuses, the BBCI have made a fool of themselves, should have cancelled weeks earlier.

 

[MenInG]

New Zealand’s IPL-based Test contingent will depart India for the United Kingdom on May 11th – the earliest date an exemption for their arrival in England could be obtained.

Kane Williamson, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner, as well as physio Tommy Simsek, will remain in a secure mini-bubble in New Delhi before departing for the UK, ahead of preparations for the Test series against England, and the ICC World Test Championship final against India.

However, left-arm paceman Trent Boult will return home briefly to see his family before reconnecting with the Test squad in early June, possibly in time to be picked for the second Test against England but certainly in time for the ICC WTC final.

Along with the balance of the New Zealand-bound IPL players, support staff and commentators, Boult is scheduled to depart New Delhi tomorrow on one of two charter flights, arriving in Auckland on Saturday before undergoing managed isolation.

All going as planned, the Kiwi kingpin will leave MIQ on May 22 and will spend a week at home with his family, training at Mt Maunganui before departing for the UK in early June.

BLACKCAPS trainer Chris Donaldson, who has been with the Kolkata Knight Riders, will also return home briefly to see his family before reconnecting with the Test squad.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said Boult and Donaldson return home for the three-week period with the blessing of NZC and the BLACKCAPS management.

“We’re completely supportive of Chris and Trent taking the opportunity to see their families before heading to the UK,” said Mr White. “They’ve always been the consummate professionals and we’re more than happy to accommodate these arrangements.”

“We’ve worked closely with the BCCI and the IPL franchises on the various departure strategies and we’re very appreciative of their support during what is, clearly, a very challenging time.

“Were also very grateful to the England and Wales Cricket Board for accommodating the early arrival of the four members of the Test squad currently in India.”

Mr White said the IPL players, support staff and commentators returning to New Zealand would adhere to all regulatory protocols, including pre-departure COVID-19 tests.

The New Zealand-based Test squad members will depart for England on May 16 and 17.

 

[silentkiller187]

England seem keen to cash in on IPL, counties have made an offer to host the remainder of the ipl n September.

 

[MenInG]

After the postponement of IPL 2021 last Tuesday due to COVID-19, BCCI has decided that the remaining game of the IPL 2021 can not be played in India regardless of an available window because of overseas cricketers unavailability, reported Times of India.

The remaining matches of the season -- called Phase 2 -- are being considered to be played in one of the three countries -- namely UAE, UK and Australia -- and depends on where the T20 World Cup will be played later this year.

“It has to be played overseas. Certain suggestions have already been heard. The BCCI just has to make up its mind,” top sources in the board told TOI.

As per the detailed TOI report, three suggestion has been made for the Phase 2.

Plan A is to move IPL to the UAE, a tried and tested venue in IPL 2020, and it also a possible venue for T20 World Cup (from October 22) after the September window for IPL. The suggestion is to, once India's tour of England ends on September 14, they will head to the UAE, where they will be quarantined for a week, and then complete the remaining 31 matches.

However, the impediment is the UAE weather during that time of the year as it begins to cool down from October onwards.

Plan B is moving it to the United Kingdom, where the remaining matches could be played once the England-India series end. Earlier, few English Counties, reeling with pandemic losses, have shown enthusiasm to host IPL matches on their ground.

If it works out, the venue is most feasible to host because of the weather while overseas players will also be comfortable travelling to the nation.

Plan C is to host IPLin Australia if the T20 World Cup is hosted in Australia, then India can barter the 2022 edition of the WC -- to be hosted Down Under.

“Cricket Australia certainly won’t mind this exchange if their government allows. And since international players will anyway arrive there for the World Cup, Perth – which is three-and-half-hours ahead of Indian Standard Time – can host Phase-2 to cater to Indian prime-time,” sources said told TOI.

“This can happen only if the Australian government changes its mind and if broadcasters are willing to agree,” they add.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/...india-uk-uae-and-aus-considered-report-702813

 

[silentkiller187]

A potential bookie, disguised as a cleaner, was spotted 'pitch siding' during an IPL 2021 game at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, according to BCCI's Anti Corruption Unit (ACU) chief Shabbir Hussain Shekhadam Khandwawala.

Pitch siding is the practice of transmitting real-time information from matches for betting and gambling. The designated cleaner was using the time lag between live TV broadcasts and actual match action to aid ball-by-ball betting.


The ACU chief didn't divulge details of which match the incident took place; Delhi hosted five matches in the now-postponed IPL 2021.

"One of my ACU officers caught a person and handed over the details to Delhi Police. While that particular offender managed to flee leaving behind his two mobile phones, ACU lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police," Hussain told PTI.
Revealing how the cleaner came under the ACU's radar, Hussain said the man stood alone in an isolated spot in the stadium during the IPL 2021 match and was carrying two mobile phones, which aroused suspicion.

"He was standing (inside the stadium premises) in a secluded area all by himself, and so one of our officers approached and asked him 'What are you doing here?' He said:"Main apne girlfriend se baat kar raha hoon. (I am talking to my girlfriend). My officer then asked him to dial the number he was talking to and then asked him to hand over the phones. Just when he was going through the contents of his phone, the guy fled from the spot...Also what raised suspicion was the fact that he had two mobiles," said Hussain.

Hussain also said that the person impersonating a cleaner was a 'small fry' possibly working for a bigger bookie. The ACU chief exuded confidence that his team would get to the depth of the incident soon, saying:

"... (He) came in the garb of a cleaner. However, we have all his details. as he was employed for the tournament. His Aadhar Card details have been handed over to Delhi Police I am confident that he will be nabbed in a day or two. He is a small fry working for a couple of hundred or some thousand bucks maybe... The information he may be supplying could be to someone more influential among bookmaker,s and so we needed to inform the Delhi Police."
Two other questionable incidents reported in IPL 2021Two bookies were caught during the SRH vs RR match in IPL 2021.
Two bookies were caught during the SRH vs RR match in IPL 2021.
This was not the first incident of bookmakers caught in an IPL 2021 game. The Delhi police had earlier caught two persons carrying fake accreditation on Sunday during a clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.

"We are thankful to Delhi Police that in a separate incident they caught two other persons from the Kotla on ACU tip-off. So on two separate days, these people managed to get access to Kotla," added Hussain.
During the Mumbai leg of IPL 2021, three suspicious persons were spotted in the SRH hotel, but they didn't come in close contact with any of the squad members. In this regard, Hussain said:

"The moment we had information, we got in touch with Mumbai Police. The Police Commissioner of Mumbai took immediate cognisance, and the Mumbai Police got hold of those three."

Meanwhile, IPL 2021 was postponed indefinitely on May 4 after a spate of COVID-19 incidents. The authorities are exploring the September window for resumption.

https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-ipl-2021-potential-bookie-guised-cleaner-caught-kotla

 

[silentkiller187]

no wonder why the bubble was breached if bookies could get into the stadium under the guises of cleaners.

 

[MenInG]

After the suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 mid-season, several England county clubs have expressed interest in hosting the remainder of the season. A day later, Sri Lanka Cricket have also joined the bandwagon and shown keen interest in hosting the remaining matches of the 14th edition of the IPL on their soil. Despite several organisations willing to host the remaining IPL, the biggest hurdle for BCCI is the finding a window long enough to complete the lucrative tournament. Arjuna de Silva, chief of SLC's managing committee, has said that they can "certainly provide a window" to host the IPL in September.

"Yes, we can certainly provide a window to host the IPL in the month of September", Arjuna de Silva told Deccan Chronicle in an exclusive telephonic interview from Colombo.

As per some reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains BCCI's top choice for hosting remaining IPL matches in the September window just before the T20 World Cup, especially after the last edition which was played turned out to be a huge success.

Speaking about this de Silva said: "We hear the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is their one option but Sri Lanka can not be ignored for all reasons".

"We are planning to host the Lanka Premier League (LPL) in July-August and the grounds and other infrastructure will be ready for the IPL in September", he added.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly acknowledged that amid a packed international calendar it was hard to find a window to complete the this year's IPL. Ganguly said that as per initial estimates the BCCI will lose around Rs 2500 crore if the matches are not held.

https://sports.ndtv.com/ipl-2021/sr...l-be-ready-2437392?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

 

[mastimasti]

I highly doubt the t20 WC will take place if the situation in india continues like this.
Why on earth was it shifted from Australia (a country with a significantly lower rate of infection) to India in the first?

I think it wasn't actually shifted from Aus...the Australian world t20 was cancelled and the following tournament, to be held in India was brought forward, with Aus due the next. I vaguely remember reading something like that.

 

[MenInG]

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has ruled out playing the remainder of the IPL season in England in July as he revealed cancelling the tournament would result in losses of more than A$430 million.

The 2021 Indian Premier League was called off last week after multiple breaches of the tournament’s bio-security bubble and Indian officials are now trying to work out how to squeeze the remaining 31 matches into an already cramped schedule.

India will soon head to the United Kingdom for a tour of more than three months that will consist of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand and a five-Test series against England, which is scheduled to finish on September 14.

The England tour will be followed by the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to run from mid-October until the final on November 13.

India’s ability to host that tournament as planned is in doubt given their tragic second COVID-19 wave.

While there is a gap of almost six weeks between the WTC Final in late June and the start of the Tests against England in early August, Ganguly has revealed India will send a white-ball squad to Sri Lanka in July, minus their Test players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, who its expected will be playing red-ball intra-squad matches in the UK in preparation for the England series.

It means the rescheduled IPL won’t be held until after the England Tests are completed.

“No … India is supposed to go to Sri Lanka for three ODIs and five T20Is (in July),” Ganguly told Sportstar when asked about completing the IPL after the WTC Final.

“There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine. It can’t happen in India. This quarantine is tough to handle. (It’s) too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL.”

With India as well as nations like Australia and England scheduled to play bilateral cricket immediately following the T20 World Cup, Ganguly says the most likely window for the IPL is the month following the Tests in England and before the World Cup.

The decision on where and when the rest of the IPL is held could be dictated by the venue for the World Cup. The BCCI has confirmed the UAE would be the alternative venue should India’s continuing COVID-19 crisis mean the event has to be moved.

Several English counties have reportedly already offered to host the tournament in two weeks in late September, after the England v India Tests are completed.

But with the world’s leading T20 players to already be gathered in one place for the World Cup, and given quarantine and border requirements continue to be a major logistical challenge, playing the rest of the IPL in the same country as the World Cup appears prudent.

With a month-long gap between the end of the England Tests and the start of the World Cup, it’s conceivable the remaining 31 IPL games could be held in a matter of weeks during that time.

Further complicating matters is other bilateral international fixtures that have been locked into the schedule as part of preparations for the World Cup.

England have already confirmed dates for T20s in Pakistan in mid-October while Bangladesh have announced New Zealand and England will tour there before the World Cup, although those matches have not been confirmed.

Last year, Afghanistan also revealed plans to play a T20 tri-series between themselves, Australia and the West Indies immediately prior to the World Cup, although that has also not been officially confirmed.

Speaking late last week, Ganguly said the financial implications of not completing the IPL season would be monumental.

“If we fail to complete the IPL, the loss will be close to Rs 2,500 crore (approx $A434m),” he said. “That is going by early estimates.”

“There has got to be a lot of shuffling … (and) we have to speak to other boards and see if a window can be made available before the T20 World Cup.

“(A) lot of things are involved and we will slowly start working on them.”

Key dates: June to November, 2021

June 18-22: World Test Championship Final

July: India limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka*

Aug 4 to Sep 14: England v India Test Series

Oct: T20 tri-series (Australia, Afghanistan, West Indies)*

Oct: England and New Zealand to tour Bangladesh*

Oct 12-16: England T20 tour of Pakistan

Mid-Oct to Nov 13: T20 World Cup

*series and dates not confirmed

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/ind...2021-05-10?mode=amp&__twitter_impression=true

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/10/ipl-likely-to-be-without-england-players-when-it-restarts-says-ashley-giles

England players are likely to be ruled out of the Indian Premier League’s mooted resumption later this year following an insistence from Ashley Giles, their team director, that international cricket now takes priority. An outbreak of Covid-19 among the IPL’s franchises forced the tournament to be indefinitely suspended last week with 31 games still outstanding and now organisers are eyeing a possible September restart ahead of the T20 World Cup a month later.

If so it would be a clash with England’s six-match white-ball tour of Bangladesh, due to depart on 20 September, and two additional Twenty20s in Pakistan on 14 and 15 October, both of which are viewed as key preparation for the global event. But while there is uncertainty over which country will host this rearranged IPL – as well as the T20 World Cup that is currently due to take place in India – Giles expects England’s white-ball players to be busy regardless.

 

[silentkiller187]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/may/10/ipl-likely-to-be-without-england-players-when-it-restarts-says-ashley-giles

i thought english players would only choose their country if it was an ashes series

 

[ChTab]

New Zealand players unlikely to play in rescheduled IPL 2021

After England and Wales Cricket Board said that they expect England players to skip rescheduled IPL 2021 for a busy international calendar, it seems New Zealand players won't be part of the IPL phase 2 as well, expected to be rescheduled in September at a foreign venue, over their international commitments.

New Zealand are expected to face Pakistan in September in UAE, which is also the available window for IPL to host the remaining matches of the season.

They will be playing 3ODIs and 3T20s against Pakistan in the UAE. The series is an FTP commitment by New Zealand Cricket towards Pakistan Cricket Board and can’t be cancelled or postponed.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson and Mumbai Indians' pacer are an important part of the Kiwi outfit and are expected to be part of the series. Other players who could miss the IPL are Adam Milne (Mumbai Indians), Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings), Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders), Tim Seifert (Kolkata Knight Riders), Finn Allen (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Kyle Jamieson (Royal Challengers Bangalore).

Apart from them Afghanistan players will also be unavailable for IPL during the series as they are scheduled to face Pakistan for a three-match ODI seris during the period. West Indies and Australian cricketers, though, are available for IPL.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/...likely-to-play-in-rescheduled-ipl-2021-704065

 

[Last Monetarist]

It seems the PCB have unwittingly got the IPL cornered with these meaningless bilateral commitments from the ECB and NZC in September.

 

[street cricketer]

It seems the PCB have unwittingly got the IPL cornered with these meaningless bilateral commitments from the ECB and NZC in September.

Lol. PCB finally exacting revenge on the BCCI for all those unscheduled series with India which Shahryar Khan could only imagine.

 

[ChTab]

Wriddhiman Saha, SRH Star, Breaks Silence on Being Covid-19 Positive, Says 'I Was Certainly Scared'

Wriddhiman Saha, who tested positive for Coronavirus, has now finally broken his silence on the entire ordeal. The Sunrisers Hyderabad star said that he was scared because the same virus had brought the world to a standstill. Despite all his problems, he reassured his concerned family that everything was alright through video calls.

“I was certainly scared. A virus that has brought the Earth to a standstill, after being infected by it, I was bound to feel scared. Everyone in the family was very worried. We reassured them through video calls that there is no reason to be afraid. I am being taken care of enough,” said Saha in an interview with Anandabazar Patrika.

Saha, who played merely two games for SRH in IPL 2021, revealed that felt cold and a mild cough after his training session on May 1 and informed the team doctor on that day itself. He also stated that he was isolated on that day itself after the Covid-19 tests.

Wearing a mask properly isn’t rocket science. Wear mask for yourself and for others. �� Stay Home. Stay Safe. pic.twitter.com/AIVXZTQra8

Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) May 8, 2021

“I felt tired after finishing the practice on the first day of May. I felt cold. Cold & mild cough. I informed the team doctor that day. Arrangements were made for me to stay in seclusion without any risk. Covid test was taken on the same day,” he added.

Meanwhile, with India reeling under the second wave of Covid – the IPL 2021 season has been suspended indefinitely. Reports suggest that BCCI is looking to conduct the remaining 31 matches in the September window. There is no confirmation on this as yet, while BCCI has made it clear that the remainder of the tournament will not take place in India.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...9-positive-says-i-was-certainly-scared-982295

 

[Hasan123]

England and New Zealand players potentially not available for a rescheduled IPL later in the year. As I have said already, I would null and void this season and go again in 2022 with a major auction as planned.

Don't see space in the calendar to finish 2021 season and it looks like a lot of top overseas players won't be available. And there is no certainty over the venue. These 3 factors make me think the best solution is to null and void the 2021 edition of the IPL.

 

[Rana]

I thought the IPL window was there to save international cricket? What happened here [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] ?

 

[Mamoon]

I thought the IPL window was there to save international cricket? What happened here [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] ?

Please refer to post #48 in the following thread:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...L-now-demand-2-slots-in-every-year&styleid=16

 

[Rana]

Please refer to post #48 in the following thread:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...L-now-demand-2-slots-in-every-year&styleid=16

So you are adamant that international cricket will take a backseat if the IPL is granted a re-scheduled window later this year? And ECB+NZCB’s top players will desert international duty?

 

[Mamoon]

So you are adamant that international cricket will take a backseat if the IPL is granted a re-scheduled window later this year? And ECB+NZCB’s top players will desert international duty?

They would be fools to desert IPL for a pointless series against awful teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

As Morgan said in 2019, the IPL is the best possible preparation for the World Cup. It is the highest form of white ball cricket outside ICC tournaments and big 3 matches.

 

[Rana]

They would be fools to desert IPL for a pointless series against awful teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

As Morgan said in 2019, the IPL is the best possible preparation for the World Cup. It is the highest form of white ball cricket outside ICC tournaments and big 3 matches.

I see,

The argument now is, “they would be fools to stay loyal to their countries over IPL”.

So what’s going to happen? Will they be fools this winter or wise to play IPL? And will their respective boards support ‘wisdom’ over ‘foolishness’?

 

[IMMY69]

I see,

The argument now is, “they would be fools to stay loyal to their countries over IPL”.

So what’s going to happen? Will they be fools this winter or wise to play IPL? And will their respective boards support ‘wisdom’ over ‘foolishness’?

Morgan says it's the best preparation for the World Cup but this is now a secondary reason...the main thing this season was that it is for humanitarian reasons.
We should be thanking these highly paid cricketers and scrapping international cricket all together.

 

[Rana]

Morgan says it's the best preparation for the World Cup but this is now a secondary reason...the main thing this season was that it is for humanitarian reasons.
We should be thanking these highly paid cricketers and scrapping international cricket all together.

Let’s see Sir Mamoon’s official statement on behalf of ECB on this matter first.

 

[OMB]

Resuming IPL 2021 Will Be Real Challenge Due To Packed Calendars, Says Rajasthan Royals Owner

Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale on Thursday said that rescheduling the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will be a real challenge as most teams have already locked in their international calendars. The IPL 2021 season was suspended on May 4 due to a rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Before the suspension, Rajasthan Royals was positioned at the fifth spot with 6 points from 7 games. "I think the challenge is just finding space and calendar. The players are already playing too much cricket. The calendars are incredibly packed, and particularly this year after COVID-19, boards from around the world are trying to get as many competitions and as many Test matches in as possible," said Badale in a webinar organised by Rajasthan Royals.

"I think it's going to be a real challenge. There's a possibility. I think it's a small possibility of something in September in the UK or possibly something in the Middle East, either side of the T20 World Cup, but I think it's going to be a real challenge," he added.

Earlier, Ashley Giles, the managing director of the England men's team, had hinted that Three Lions' players might not be available for the remainder of this edition of the IPL if it gets rescheduled for some time later this year.

"We've got a full FTP schedule. So if those tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh [in September and October] are going ahead, I'd expect the players to be there," ESPNcricinfo had quoted Giles as saying.

"The New Zealand scenario was very different. Those Test matches were formalised at the end of January, by which time all those contracts and NOCs [no objection certificates] were signed for full involvement in the IPL," he further said.

Giles said England's schedule for the summer is "incredibly busy" and the management wants to look after their players. Moreover, India and England are slated to lock horns in the five-match Test series in the UK this year. The series would commence in August.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/indian-premier-league-resuming-ipl-2021-will-be-real-challenge-due-to-packed-calendars-says-rajasthan-royals-owner-2441200

 

[OMB]

'Tried to keep ourselves motivate': Vijay Shankar reveals scenes inside SRH camp after players tested positive for Covid


Vijay Shankar revealed that while the players were worried, they did not panic as the news of positive Covid-19 cases among the stakeholders broke.


IPL 2021 on May 4 was indefinitely suspended by BCCI due to the Covid-19 crisis in India and numerous positive tests within various franchises. The series of events leading up the point of suspension began with match 30 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore being postponed after two KKR players, Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakaravarthy, tested positive. Soon after, three Chennai Super Kings franchise members also tested positive, including L. Balaji.

The final nail in the coffin proved to be Wriddhiman Saha (of Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Amit Mishra (of Delhi Capitals) testing positive for coronavirus.

Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Vijay Shankar, while speaking to indiatoday.in, revealed that while the players were worried, they did not panic as the news of positive Covid-19 cases among the stakeholders broke.

"More than panic, it was just about being worried. A couple of guys tested positive, when someone tested positive in our team, it became a bit more," Shankar said.

"Otherwise, we knew even the day they suspended the IPL, we were supposed to play a game. We were trying to prepare and keep ourselves motivated till we got the message, saying the IPL was suspended," he added.


https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/we-were-worried-but-tried-to-stay-motivated-srh-s-vijay-shankar-reveals-players-did-not-panic-when-players-tested-positive-for-covid19-101621140508442.html

 

[MenInG]

Think both PCB and BCCI have learnt some important lessons this year.

 

[King_Kohli]

BCCI SGM: Board will seek to retain T20 WC in India for now; UK, UAE top choices for IPL phase 2

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/bcci-sgm-board-will-seek-to-retain-t20-wc-in-india-for-now-uk-top-choice-for-ipl-phase-2/articleshow/82764407.cms

 

[Rajdeep]

There are some reports that BCCI has proposed to reduce a test match in Eng and play remaining IPL matches there. Eng players wont be available after 5th test as they have to tour Pak/BD which they dont want to skip keepinh T20 WC in mind. So an attempt being made to remove the 5th(Oval) test and fit IPL in there. There are 4 counties that have already shown interest to host IPL.

All the above are just reports though and nothing official from BCCI yet. But if this happens, test fans would take IPL hate to a different level

 

[hitthestump]

There are some reports that BCCI has proposed to reduce a test match in Eng and play remaining IPL matches there. Eng players wont be available after 5th test as they have to tour Pak/BD which they dont want to skip keepinh T20 WC in mind. So an attempt being made to remove the 5th(Oval) test and fit IPL in there. There are 4 counties that have already shown interest to host IPL.

All the above are just reports though and nothing official from BCCI yet. But if this happens, test fans would take IPL hate to a different level

Remove a test to fit in IPL! You couldn't have even imagined such an action 10 years ago!

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

There are some reports that BCCI has proposed to reduce a test match in Eng and play remaining IPL matches there. Eng players wont be available after 5th test as they have to tour Pak/BD which they dont want to skip keepinh T20 WC in mind. So an attempt being made to remove the 5th(Oval) test and fit IPL in there. There are 4 counties that have already shown interest to host IPL.

All the above are just reports though and nothing official from BCCI yet. But if this happens, test fans would take IPL hate to a different level

That's strange to hear because I was under an impression that even if World War 3 happens IPL won't stop?

 

[OMB]

BCCI Look To Tweak 5-Match Test Series Vs England For IPL 2021 In UK: Reports

According to a source in the know-how, it is learnt that BCCI is looking to tweak the five-match Test series against England to make way for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021) in the United Kingdom.

New Delhi: According to a source in the know-how, it is learnt that BCCI is looking to tweak the five-match Test series against England to make way for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021) in the United Kingdom (UK). The IPL 2021 was postponed indefinitely due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country and BCCI in all likelihood would look to reschedule the tournament later in the year in order to recover from the expected loss of revenue that is believed to be in the range of 2ooo crore.

Earlier, the English Counties have shown interest in hosting the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 and going by the recent developements the UK government is allowing crowds for sports events which would mean that the franchises can earn from gate money and also subsidize cost at the same time even though the UK is a relatively costlier destination compared to some of the other options.

“BCCI and the ECB are in discussions to tweak the five-Test series. Details of those discussions aren’t public yet. But in whichever manner the ECB agrees to tweak the Test series, they will want the IPL in England because the counties can earn from it. There’ll be a good chance of a quid pro quo,” the source said according to a report in the Times of India.

“Only if costs are escalating to a point where it starts affecting stakeholders, the BCCI will consider the UAE as the second option for the IPL. On that front, we aren’t even discounting the idea of hosting the IPL in Sri Lanka,” the sources further added.

The series between England and India is set to commence from the 4th of August at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

https://www.india.com/sports/bcci-look-to-tweak-5-match-test-series-vs-england-to-host-remainder-of-ipl-2021-indian-premier-league-2021-4676591/

 

[Rana]

BCCI Look To Tweak 5-Match Test Series Vs England For IPL 2021 In UK: Reports

According to a source in the know-how, it is learnt that BCCI is looking to tweak the five-match Test series against England to make way for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021) in the United Kingdom.

New Delhi: According to a source in the know-how, it is learnt that BCCI is looking to tweak the five-match Test series against England to make way for the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021) in the United Kingdom (UK). The IPL 2021 was postponed indefinitely due to the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the country and BCCI in all likelihood would look to reschedule the tournament later in the year in order to recover from the expected loss of revenue that is believed to be in the range of 2ooo crore.

Earlier, the English Counties have shown interest in hosting the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2021 and going by the recent developements the UK government is allowing crowds for sports events which would mean that the franchises can earn from gate money and also subsidize cost at the same time even though the UK is a relatively costlier destination compared to some of the other options.

“BCCI and the ECB are in discussions to tweak the five-Test series. Details of those discussions aren’t public yet. But in whichever manner the ECB agrees to tweak the Test series, they will want the IPL in England because the counties can earn from it. There’ll be a good chance of a quid pro quo,” the source said according to a report in the Times of India.

“Only if costs are escalating to a point where it starts affecting stakeholders, the BCCI will consider the UAE as the second option for the IPL. On that front, we aren’t even discounting the idea of hosting the IPL in Sri Lanka,” the sources further added.

The series between England and India is set to commence from the 4th of August at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

https://www.india.com/sports/bcci-look-to-tweak-5-match-test-series-vs-england-to-host-remainder-of-ipl-2021-indian-premier-league-2021-4676591/

Makes sense

It will be very hard for India to stay motivated for a 5 match Test series in England. Sorry to all the English fans who might gave bought tickets for the 4th and 5th Test match )

 

[OMB]

Makes sense

It will be very hard for India to stay motivated for a 5 match Test series in England. Sorry to all the English fans who might gave bought tickets for the 4th and 5th Test match )

I guess Indians have forgotten how to play a 5 test series. Would be far happier to get into T20 mode and make merry

 

[Rana]

I think the biggest mistake BCCI could make is annoy the purist Test fans of England (75% of English fans). Let’s see them wriggle out of this one

 

[HitWicket]

Can't see much chance of the ECB agreeing to that. They're not going to cancel a test, especially a London one.

 

[Rajdeep]

That's strange to hear because I was under an impression that even if World War 3 happens IPL won't stop?

Nothing strange about it bcoz IPL is the most important tournament in cricket calendar. There is a reason ICC has given a seperate window to it. The fact that they had to push world T20 out last year to accomodate it shows the importance of IPL.

Considering the pandemic situation in India, if this was any another international tournament it would have been cancelled long time ago and no one would be talking about it. Just like no one was bothered when NZ series or bunch of other international series like Asia cup got cancelled last year due to covid.

But bcoz its IPL, they continued the tournament even during rampaging pandemic and only forced to stop when govt intervened.

But let me assure you (like I did last year as well) that BCCI will ensure the remaining IPL matches takes place this year. If that means sacrificing few international games, cut a test match short or even cancel the WT20 again so be it bcoz IPL 2021 completion is the top most priority.

 

[gazza619]

There should not be 5 test match series anymore. Modern era doesnt need 5 back 2 back tests.

 

[Rana]

Nothing strange about it bcoz IPL is the most important tournament in cricket calendar. There is a reason ICC has given a seperate window to it. The fact that they had to push world T20 out last year to accomodate it shows the importance of IPL.

Considering the pandemic situation in India, if this was any another international tournament it would have been cancelled long time ago and no one would be talking about it. Just like no one was bothered when NZ series or bunch of other international series like Asia cup got cancelled last year due to covid.

But bcoz its IPL, they continued the tournament even during rampaging pandemic and only forced to stop when govt intervened.

But let me assure you (like I did last year as well) that BCCI will ensure the remaining IPL matches takes place this year. If that means sacrificing few international games, cut a test match short or even cancel the WT20 again so be it bcoz IPL 2021 completion is the top most priority.

Great courage to continue posting with such pomp and confidence. Especially how your posts were ‘on the mark’ about the IPL 2021 not being called off regardless )

Another one in the list of ‘at liberty with reality’

 

[Rajdeep]

Great courage to continue posting with such pomp and confidence. Especially how your posts were ‘on the mark’ about the IPL 2021 not being called off regardless )

Another one in the list of ‘at liberty with reality’

Liberty with reality? How? Infact all that I wrote is a fact and you know it too.

Isnt IPL the only league that has seperate ICC window?

Didnt ICC moved out T20 WC last year so that IPL can happen?

If you recall, I wrote here last year that whenever cricket returns IPL is the 1st tournament Indian players will play. Thats exactly what happened.

Similary I have no doubt the remaining IPL matches will be completed this year albeit sacrificing some international matches. There is too much money involved for all parties if IPL gets cancelled.

Think the ones with 'liberty at reality' is you who even after 13 years of IPL is still in denial and not willing to accept the importance of the league.

 

[MenInG]

The Indian Premier League 2021 season was going smoothly before the start of May when the tournament was hit with a major roadblock. Despite many skeptics doubtful that the BCCI will be able to successfully hold the tournament in multiple cities amid the 2nd wave of Covid-19 pandemic, IPL 2021 managed to kick off in style.

The tournament continued on despite the Covid situation worsening in the country. The stakeholders believed that IPL will provide a source of much-needed distraction to the people of the country and will also give them a reason to stay indoors amid lockdown.

But when several players and staff members were tested positive for the virus in the first week of May, the BCCI and IPL Governing Council had no choice but to suspend the season mid-way. The decision has provided a tough road for IPL to resume this year, with foreign countries expected to give preference to international cricketing rather than making players available to play in the IPL.

With 31 games still to go, the BCCI is expected to suffer around ₹2500 crore loss, as revealed by board president Sourav Ganguly in an interview to The Telegraph earlier this month. Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who himself was one of the players to have tested positive for the virus, is doubtful the season will be able to restart this year with overseas players not likely to return.

“Majority of the foreigners are from Australia, England and the West Indies. So I personally feel the resumption of the league this year is doubtful. Without the overseas players, IPL will just be an enhanced version of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Saha told Sportskeeda.

Meanwhile, Saha said that the IPL teams should give players at least four-five games before changing the squad. SRH saw plenty of changes in the first few games of the season, with Saha only featuring in two of the franchises' seven games. SRH was also the only team that saw a change in captaincy this year mid-season, with Kane Williamson replacing David Warner.

“Any player can flop in a couple of matches. But if the line-up is being continuously changed, no team would be able to settle down. I would suggest, not only for SRH, but any side to pen down their best XI and play that line-up for four-five matches straight. If it’s not clicking then as well, then make the changes. In such a situation, the players will get ample opportunities to deliver and the team will also bear a settled look," Saha said.

“But then, it was the management’s decision, we can’t do much about it. They told me before the MI game that I won’t be playing the match. But we didn’t have any discussion about trying me out in other positions. My chances again would have come depending on the performance of the team later in the tournament,” he signed off.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...over-ipl-2021-resumption-101621651407079.html

 

[OMB]

Wriddhiman Saha subtly questions IPL bubble tightness, says UAE would have been better venue

KOLKATA: Seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman has indicated that the bio-bubble for was not as foolproof as the one in UAE last year, becoming the first India player to publicly question, even if subtly, the tightness of the controlled environment.

The 36-year-old Saha was among the players who contracted the dreaded virus before the stumbled to an abrupt halt midway into its 14th season after multiple cases were reported in its bio-bubble.
During an interview with PTI, Saha spoke about the bio-bubble breach in India and said it would have been better if the IPL was held in UAE, like last year.

"It's the job of the stakeholders to assess it, but the only thing I would say is that there was not a single individual during our training in UAE (last year), not even a ground staff.
"Here there would be people, kids peeping from nearby walls. I don't want to comment much but we saw how the IPL went off smoothly in UAE in 2020 and then it started in India this year with cases on the rise," Saha said.The Bengal veteran reached his home in Kolkata after completing over a fortnight-long quarantine at a Delhi hotel to make himself available for selection for the upcoming England tour.
On the bio-bubble he added, "I don't know what would have happened, but definitely I feel it would have been better off in UAE this time as well. It's for the stakeholders to look into it."

Saha had tested positive for COVID-19 on May 4, the day the 2021 edition of the tournament was suspended indefinitely.
He said he has fully recovered now and he is not feeling any weakness. "I'm doing all normal activities, there's no fatigue, body ache or any weakness. But I will actually get to know how my body is coping when I get into actual match training mode."

Recalling his battle with the virus, he said: "I had a slight fever for the first couple of days, lost smell after five days but it returned within four days. "It was about spending time with family, friends (virtually), catching up with some light-hearted movies and keeping myself in a good space. I was never mentally disturbed or down. I was just being normal.
"Currently, I'm doing some fitness routine at home but the actual fitness training will start after I join the team in Mumbai," he concluded.


https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/wriddhiman-saha-subtly-questions-ipl-bubble-tightness-says-uae-would-have-been-better-venue/articleshow/82856374.cms

 

[OMB]

IPL phase-2 likely to be held in UAE in September- October

MUMBAI: Phase 2 of the Indian Premier League - which will cover the remaining 31 matches of the 2021 edition, including the four knockout games - is set to be played in the United Arab Emirates between September and October. is likely to make the announcement on May 29 when the members assemble for a special general meeting.

India's five-Test series against England is scheduled to begin on August 4. Sources pointed out that there was a nine-day gap between the second Test and third Test. "If that gap can be reduced to four, it will allow BCCI five extra days to make use of," they said.
BCCI has not initiated any official talks with to see if the 41-day window reserved for the five Tests can be tweaked. A call on this will be made at the SGM.

IPL phase-2 will have a 30-day window available in September-October If BCCI refrains from making any requests to the ECB and continues to plan phase 2 of the IPL post the India-England series as scheduled, it will have a 30-day window available - from September 15 to October 15 - to put a blueprint in place.
"If we can have those extra days eked out from the India-England schedule, then it adds to the window. If not, then within these 30 days, a full day will have to be set aside for the Indian team and English cricketers to travel from the UK to UAE, five days will have to be set aside for the knockouts later. That will leave the BCCI with 24 days to conclude 27 matches. This window has four weekends available, which
means a total of eight Saturdays and Sundays for double-headers, that can accommodate 16 matches. That will leave the BCCI with 11 matches to be held in 19 days. That's a week extra," sources said.

This extra week can be adjusted at both ends - at the start and the conclusion - to have a cushion around the window. Further, should the BCCI agree to 'request' the ECB for the extra five days, and should the ECB agree, it'll only add to the cushion ahead of the T20 starting around October 18.
BCCI is also of the view that since all teams will not be participating during the IPL knockouts, cricketers who're out of the knockouts can disperse and join their respective teams for the World Cup. "The IPL will, in fact, be the perfect platform to warm up for the ICC event," sources said.

"The (ICC) is watching this space with keen interest and will not interfere with the logistics as long as it does not conflict with the World Cup window."
The BCCI is unlikely to announce anything on the except that it will be held in India as scheduled. Going forward, how the expected third wave of Covid's unrelenting menace behaves in the Indian sub-continent will determine the future course. "Until then, the World Cup stays here in India as planned," sources
added.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-phase-2-likely-to-be-held-in-uae-in-september-october/articleshow/82873675.cms?__twitter_impression=true

 

[MenInG]

The postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will resume tentatively on September 18 or 19 in the UAE with as many as 10 double-headers expected to be played during a three-week window, a senior BCCI official told PTI on Tuesday. The final might be held on October 9 or 10. The three-week window will be enough for the league to complete its remaining 31 games for the season, a win-win scenario for all the primary stakeholders including the BCCI, franchises and broadcasters. The IPL 2021 was postponed on May 4 after multiple COVID-19 cases inside its bio-bubble came to light.

"The BCCI has spoken to all the stakeholders and the likely start could be between September 18th to 20th. Since September 18 is a Saturday and 19 a Sunday, it is more likely that you would want to re-start it on a weekend date," the official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"Similarly, October 9th or 10th will be the final as it's a weekend. We are finalising the itinerary and there will be 10 double headers and seven evening matches along with four main games (two qualifiers, one eliminator and the final), which completes the list of 31 matches," the official added.

The Indian team's last Test match against England is set to finish on September 14 at Manchester and on the next day, the whole team (save Hanuma Vihari and Abhimanyu Easwaran) will be flown to UAE in a chartered flight for a "bubble to bubble" transfer.

"The Indian team and the English players who will be available will fly in the same charter flight from Manchester to Dubai. Similarly, the West Indies players will also fly in after completing the Caribbean Premier League engagements. There will be three-day quarantine for players arriving from UK and the Caribbean," the source said.

A franchise official confirmed that a communication from BCCI has come on the matter.

"We have been told by the BCCI to be ready for the tournament. We have been given a September 15 to 20 window," a team official said.

India's white ball series against South Africa cancelled

The BCCI has decided to cancel India's T20 series against South Africa scheduled in September, which was a build-up to the side's T20 World Cup preparations.

"The series can't be held and in any case there can't be any better preparation for the T20 World Cup than playing a high intensity tournament like IPL.

Since the T20 World Cup will start within a week or 10 days after completion of the IPL, the SA series can only be held at a later date.

"There is a chance that India might play extra games when they tour South Africa early next year," the source said.

The two-Test home series against NZ could also be shifted

The India home season also had a two Test series against New Zealand in November and the dates of which could be shifted depending upon when the T20 World Cup ends.

While BCCI, as of now, will not give up its hosting rights and wait how the COVID-19 situation in India pans out, there is very little chance that countries will want to travel to India which is facing its worst health emergency since independence.

NDTV

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So IPL remaining games due to start 19/20 Sept and conclude 10 Oct in UAE...</p>— Kevin Pietersen&#55358;&#56719; (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1397246723844681733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[OMB]

IPL 2021: The Availability of WI Players & England's International Commitments Two Biggest Challenges For Rescheduled Season

The clash with the CPL 2021 and the commitment of the English players to be on national duty will be the two biggest hurdles for the BCCI as they plan to host the remainder of the 2021 season of the IPL in the UAE in September-October.

The BCCI is very keen to reschedule the remainder of the 2021 IPL in the UAE in the window between September 19 and October 10. However, two of its biggest challenges would be the availability of the star West Indian players who form an integral part of the various franchises they represent in the IPL and the commitment of the England and Wales Cricket Board to international matches ahead of the World T20 in October-November.

We look at the two big challenges and also some other international fixtures which clash with the proposed dates of the rescheduled 2021 IPL.

The Clash With the CPL

The 2021 Caribbean Premier League is slated to be held between August 28 and September 19. The West Indies Cricket Board would need to tweak the schedule of the home series against Pakistan in order to bring forward the dates of the CPL. The Pakistan home series is currently slotted between July 28 and August 24. The gap between the matches would need to be reduced and only a more compact Pakistan series would allow the CPL to start a week in advance, say around the 20th of August. That would mean that the T20 league could be over by the 10th or 11th of September giving enough time to the star West Indian players to quarantine in the UAE before the start of the IPL on the 19th.

Currently there is a nine-day gap between the end of the West Indies-Pakistan T20I series on August 3 and the beginning of the Test series on the 12th of August – and herein lies the window of opportunity for the WICB to tighten the schedule.

The West Indies players are premium for any league in the world and even more so at the IPL where the top stars from the Caribbean are game changers for their various franchises.

Kieron Pollard produced the highest impact knock of IPL 2021 as he blasted an unbeaten 87 off just 34 deliveries against the Chennai Super Kings in a scintillating successful 219-run chase in Delhi. With Hardik Pandya not at his best this season, Pollard is the X-factor for the Mumbai Indians in the middle order. He scored 268 runs at a stunning strike rate of 191.42 – the highest in the competition – in the 2020 edition of the IPL in the UAE. He had a strike rate of 156.74 in the 2019 season. Pollard’s cameos, often from hopeless situations, were one of the major reasons for his franchise’s back to back title triumphs in 2019 and 2020.

The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle may not be at his destructive best any more but is still a major force in T20 cricket. He has an aggregate of 4950 runs in 139 innings in the IPL. His average of 40.24 and strike rate of 149.45 place him in a unique club of three in the IPL. Only two others – AB de Villiers and David Warner have an average of in excess of 40 and strike rate of more than 140 in the league’s history.

Gayle won two successive Orange Caps (for the RCB) in 2011 and 2012 amassing 608 and 733 runs at a strike rate of 183.13 and 160.74 respectively. He also holds the record for the highest score in IPL history – a devastating unbeaten 175 off just 66 deliveries against the Pune Warriors in Bengaluru in 2013.

Andre Russell may have lost a bit of his mojo but just a couple of seasons back in 2019 he blasted 510 runs in 14 matches at a stunning strike rate of 204.81 in what was the most destructive batting display in a season by any batsman in the history of the IPL. The Knight Riders know his worth and thus they retain him in the XI even after a very poor 2020 and a below-par show in the first half of 2021.

It is a similar story for the other star player from the Caribbean for the Knight Riders – Sunil Narine. Not setting the tournament on fire in the last three seasons, Narine was in destructive form with the bat in 2017 and 2018 where he had a combined strike rate of above 180. The off spinner had led the KKR attack both in 2012 and 2014 finishing as their leading wicket-taker taking his side to victory in the tournament.

Nicholas Pooran may have had a nightmare of a season for the Punjab Kings in 2021 but it was not too long back in 2020 in the UAE where he smashed 353 runs at a strike rate of 169.71 for the same franchise.

37-year old Dwayne Bravo still has a number of tricks up his sleeve with his slower balls and variations and remains one of the most deceptive bowlers at the death in the T20 format. He is the joint third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 156 wickets in 141 innings at a strike rate of 17.8. For someone who bowls a majority of his overs at the death, his economy rate of 8.38 is outstanding. Bravo still holds the record for the highest number of wickets in a single season of the IPL – he bagged 32 wickets at a strike rate of 11.7 in the 2013 edition of the tournament.

Shimron Hetmyer has produced a number of cameos for the Delhi Capitals batting in the lower-order and has a strike rate of a touch over 150 in the IPL. Overall there are three West Indians (Russell, Narine and Pooran) in the five top strike rate batsmen in IPL history!

Thus, the non-availability of any of the West Indian players even for a part of the remainder of the 2021 season will be a massive blow for the respective franchise and completely changes the balance, dynamics and balance of the competition.

Some other international stars like Faf du Plessis are also a part of the CPL. The South African has been CSK’s best batsman across 2021 and 2020 and his batting at the top of the order is one of the major reasons for the franchises’ fightback and transformation this season.

England’s International Commitments & Other Tours

ECB’s Director of Cricket, Ashley Giles recently stated that the priority of the England players would be to be on national duty over any rescheduled IPL. England are committed to play limited overs’ series in Bangladesh and Pakistan between late September and early October in preparation for the World T20. A number of England players play important roles for their franchises in the IPL. These include the likes of Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes.

Rajasthan Royals with three big English players and Chennai Super Kings with Ali and Sam Curran would be the two most adversely affected franchises should the England players not be available for the second half of the IPL in September-October.

New Zealand are expected to take part in a limited-overs’ series in Pakistan in September-October while Afghanistan are scheduled to host Pakistan in the Emirates in September in another white-ball series.

India-South Africa T20I Series

India was set to host South Africa for a three-match ODI and T20I series in late September/early October as a build up to the World T20. But with the rescheduled 2021 season to be played during the same window, reports suggest that the entire limited overs’ series might be called off or postponed to a later date. This, however, will not be such a big concern for the BCCI as they can always compensate by playing more matches when they tour South Africa in December this year.

Yes, it does set a bad precedent with respect to cancelling an international bilateral series to accommodate the cash-rich IPL, but it will not be such a bad move seeing the larger picture and the value and significance of the prestigious league.

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/ipl-2021-the-availability-of-west-indies-players-englands-international-commitments-two-biggest-challenges-for-rescheduled-season-3778454.html

 

[MenInG]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly is set to arrive in Mumbai on Friday night for the all-important virtual Special General Meeting on Saturday. The major areas of focus will be the planning for the T20 World Cup, the resumption of the 14th edition of the IPL and the payment process for domestic cricketers.

Speaking to ANI, sources in the know of developments confirmed that the former India skipper will be reaching Mumbai on Friday night. "While it is a virtual meeting, we will still have to have a base and that is Mumbai. Sourav is coming tonight," the source said.

While the upcoming T20 World Cup was always going to be the major point of discussion, the BCCI's plan to restart the suspended IPL will also be discussed with the state associations as it is set to face quite some challenges with an eye on the Covid-19 situation.

"With the ICC meeting on June 1, tomorrow's SGM will obviously hold importance as we need to discuss the way forward and the measures that need to be taken with an eye on the T20 World Cup set to be held in India in October-November as per the plan drawn. The Covid-19 scenario and the contingency plans are set to be discussed with the state associations in details.

"Similarly, now that we are also looking at the September 15 to October 15 window for the resumption of IPL, we would also need to discuss the logistics in details as also any other challenge that needs to be given attention. The completion of the IPL will also work as a good preparation ground for the players with the T20 World Cup set to be played," the source pointed.

In its last Apex Council meeting, the BCCI had picked nine venues for the T20 World Cup -- Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dharamsala, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.

The state associations had been told to keep preparations on for the event with an eye on the coronavirus pandemic. "The nine venues have been informed and it was again discussed that preparations should continue for the showpiece event with an eye on the Covid-19 situation and a call will only be taken closer to the event. It is too early to imagine what can or will happen in October-November with regards to the coronavirus situation. But preparations shall be on," a BCCI source from the meeting had said.

All that will need a re-look now with an eye on the current Covid-19 situation. Another important area will be the decision on the payment of domestic players as there is still some confusion on how it needs to be worked out.

"There is no doubt that the domestic players need to be paid their dues as also a compensation plan needs to be worked upon as we have faced issues with hosting tournaments due to Covid-19. Sitting together and working things out always helps and with state associations a part of the meeting tomorrow, we should get a clear picture on the issue," the source explained.

https://www.business-standard.com/a...-and-domestic-players-pay-121052800337_1.html

 

[MenInG]

IPL 2021 Phase 2 – Foreign Players’ availability big headache for BCCI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has all but finalised the window for IPL 2021 Phase 2 with the UAE set to host the remaining 31 matches during the September-October window (Sep 15th to Oct 15th). But still the Indian board is very worried. The BCCI is worried and concerned about the availability of the foreign players during the window. Most of the foreign cricketers during this window will busy fulfilling their national commitments.

Be it England, New Zealand, Afghanistan all will be playing for their country in various bilateral series. If that headache wasn’t enough now the Caribbean Premier League has even put availability of the West Indies cricketers for the first 10 days in doubt.

IPL 2021 Phase 2 – Foreign players doubtful? The BCCI plans to finish the remaining IPL 2021 matches immediately after the 5th Test against England with a potential start date of September 15. Considering, the Team India players will join IPL’s bio-bubble directly from England, they will not need to quarantine. However, the same isn’t the case for others.

The ECB has already made it clear that national commitment will take precedence over IPL 2021 with Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and other English players playing Bangladesh and Pakistan in bilateral series.

Furthermore, New Zealand players will also be ruled out if New Zealand Cricket does not tweak its fixtures against Pakistan. Australian players will be busy hosting Sri Lanka while South Africa will host the Netherlands.

The new headache for BCCI is Caribbean Premier League. Cricket West Indies recently announced the schedule for the CPL 2021 that will run from August 28 to September 19. Even if the Caribbean stars join their IPL teams after the CPL 2021 is over, they will be caught up in quarantine protocols in the UAE.

IPL 2021 Remaining Matches: Status of overseas players for September window

England: Unavailable – Bangladesh tour for 3-match ODI and T20Is & then 2 match series in Pakistan

Players who could miss: Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Woakes, Jason Roy, Sam Billings, Dawid Malan, Chris Jordan, Jonny Bairstow

New Zealand: Unavailable – Kane Williamson’s New Zealand will play Pakistan in 3-match ODI and T20Is in UAE.

Players who could miss: Kane Williamson, Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Kyle Jamieson

Australia: Partially available – Australia will host Sri Lanka for 3-match ODI and T20I series in October before the ICC T20 World Cup.

Players who could miss: Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, David Warner, Jhye Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Steve Smith, Riley Meredith, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Dan Christian, Chris Lynn, Andrew Tye, Ben Cutting, Jason Behrendorff, Moises Henriques, Adam Zampa

South Africa: Almost Available – The Proteas will host the Netherlands in September with some players leaving for the CPL 2021.

Players who could miss: Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Anrich Nortje, Chris Morris, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen

Bangladesh: Unavailable – With England visiting them during the window, it is unlikely that the two Bangladeshi players will be available.

Players who could miss: Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman

West Indies: Partially Available – West Indies players will be busy playing in the CPL 2021 till September 19, meaning they will need further quarantining in the UAE, ruling them out for over 10 days.

Players in IPL 2021: Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sunil Narine, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Holder

Afghanistan: Unavailable – Afghanistan will play Pakistan in a 3-match ODI series in the UAE.

https://www.insidesport.co/ipl-2021...s-availability-stays-a-big-headache-for-bcci/