Reports: Indian T20 League 2022 can be staged in Mumbai
Sourav Ganguly (Photo by Samir Jana/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
The upcoming 15th edition of the Indian T20 League (ITL) is set to see 10 teams instead of the original eight. For the same, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also wanted to expand the league to 10 venues. However, the board is contemplating hosting the entire ITL 2022 in Mumbai. There is a surge in COVID-19 cases in India and the Board is already preparing a backup plan in case the COVID-19 situation gets worse over time.
Earlier, the BCCI also postponed Ranji Trophy 2021-22 and other domestic tournaments due to a surge in positive cases. There are also doubts over the ITL mega auction due to be held in Bangalore. The event was originally planned to be staged on February 12 and 13 but now, the BCCI is thinking of postponing the event.
The last edition of the mega event was also marred by COVID-19 as it was postponed midway due to an outbreak in the bubble. Later, it was played in UAE. However, the Arab Nation is not an option this time around given that they are already planning to organise their own league. Also, there are numerous logistical challenges as well.
“The BCCI is also preparing a Plan B for the league. With the growing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, there may be a possibility that the BCCI will utilize only Mumbai as an IPL center. At this stage, two options are on the table – 10 centers or just three centers (the Wankhede, CCI, and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai).
“Going back to UAE has not yet been thought of by the Board officials as yet. However, the option of advancing the starting date by week — from April 2 to March 25 – is also being considered, the purpose of it being to have fewer double-headers and day games,” a report in Cricbuzz read.
