IPL 2021: BCCI looks to vaccinate players, UAE not a back-up venue option

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League would be the 14th edition, slated to be held in India in April-May. Mumbai Indians is the record five-time defending champion. The 2020 edition was conducted in the United Arab Emirates, owing to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

The date for Indian Premier League 2021 is approaching fast. The 14th edition of the gainful tournament is scheduled to be held in India, in April-May.

The previous edition was conducted in the United Arab Emirates last year, owing to the challenges of hosting it in India, surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, as things begin to get regular, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is looking to revert to hosting the tournament in India.

Meanwhile, according to reports, BCCI has not kept UAE as a back-up option for the upcoming season and is confident of conducting it entirely and successfully in India. "We are working on having the IPL in India and we are hopeful that we would be able to organise it. We are not even thinking of a back up at this point in time, we want to do it here. India is probably safer than UAE at this point. Hopefully, the situation remains stable and keep improving and we will have it here," said Arun Singh Dhumal, BCCI treasurer, to PTI.

The board is also looking to get the players vaccinated as soon as possible, keeping in mind the current situation in the bio-bubbles, which takes a toll on the players' mental health. However, Dhumal has urged the players to comply with the bubble norms until they get vaccinated.

"It is tough, but at least this way, we are getting to play. We are working on getting our players vaccinated. The government's directive is that frontline workers and the most vulnerable will be the first to get vaccinated, but we are in touch with the government to get our players vaccinated," he added.

Speaking on if crowds would be allowed at the venues, Dhumal reckoned, "We are reviewing the situation on a regular basis. We want the roar to be back in the stadiums, but we have to work in tandem with the state and central government. We are very keen to have the crowds back. Surely, it won't be 100 per cent capacity given the challenges, but we are looking at anywhere between 25-50 per cent."