The Indian Premier League (IPL) of 2020, is the thirteenth edition of this cricket match series. BCCI inaugurated it in September 2020 in the United Arab Emirates. BCCI has planned to inaugurate the league on the 29th of March 2020. However, owing to the global COVID 19 pandemic; it was further adjourned till the 15th of April, 2020.
Later the Indian Prime Minister declared the extension of the lockdown until the 3rd of May, 2020. Then the tournament was further adjourned for an indeterminate period. On August 2nd, BCCI broadcasted that the matches will take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The matches commenced from 19th September and will go on until the 10th of November 2020. This was mainly due to the growing cases of COVID 19 in India.
Earlier in 2009, the IPL event took place in South Africa. Whereas, in 2014, 20 matches took place in UAE. This happened due to the general elections that were going on in India at that time. Therefore it’s not the first time that the IPL tournament is being played outside India.
The Advantage
There is immense ease on BCCI’s front as the IPL is successfully conducted this year. In the case of cancellation of the tournament, the board would have to abide by a huge loss. It will account for almost 4000 crores INR.
The most significant part of the IPL is the fans. Since the New Zealand tournament took place, the craving Indian fans have been waiting for live-actions.
Also, international cricket has resumed. The Indian players are likely to get back to the ground in December for the Australia tournament. Therefore the beginning of the IPL tournament, though privately, has been a relief to all the Indian Fans. Bearing in mind the fact that the Indian cricket players have not had many highlights for a long time, the viewership will be huge.
The Disadvantages
The BCCI team had to agree to make few adjustments, for the commencement of the IPL tournament outside India. One of the adjustments is to not make adequate money. A league rolling in money is an immense flag-bearer for the cricket board. Besides, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) received a good amount of money from the Indian Cricket Board.
Another major concern is that a cricket player may test positive for COVID 19 in between the IPL tournament. Just in case that happens, BCCI will have to cancel the league. Therefore this will be immense damage for the BCCI to reimburse. Thereafter the league will not be able to continue any further. BCCI will also have to keep funds aside to fund the Indian cricket team in Australia in December 2020.
Final Words:
Whatever may be the reason, the best thing is that the biggest cricketing festival has started and fans are having really good times in their homes. A few matches have already been conducted. Also, the fans have welcomed IPL with great vigor.
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