IPL likely to kick off on March 27
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The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 27. According to ESPNcricinfo, IPL authorities informed owners that they have decided to start IPL in the last week of March.
In a virtual meeting with the franchise owners on Saturday, the BCCI decided that only if the COVID-19 situation worsens in the country, the league could be moved overseas.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted IPL 2020 in its entirety and the second half of the 2021 edition, could be kept as a backup venue, even though a few franchises are in favour of South Africa.
“All the franchises preferred to hold it across Mumbai and Pune as it would involve no air travel and bio-bubble can be protected,” a source in the BCCI said.
“Just in case, India is not in a position to host it, it could be moved elsewhere. While most franchises prefer the UAE, as they have the experience of hosting the tournament there, a few are in favour of South Africa. But we will take a call keeping all factors in mind if and when the situation demands. For now, we are looking at hosting the entire tournament in India,” the source added.
