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Follow UsThe 2022 edition of the cash-rich league IPL could be played in South Africa or Sri Lanka due to the rise of the COVID-19 cases in the country. The Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) is planning to host the entire tournament there. However, previously BCCI decided to host it in Maharashtra. Moreover, four grounds were already chosen for hosting the entire league. But, now sources suggest that they are planning to host it in South Africa or Sri Lanka.
India is witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases since the start of the year. However, if things don't improve in the coming months, then BCCI has to move the cash-rich league to South Africa. Meanwhile, team India is currently playing three-match Test series followed by as many ODIs in South Africa.
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According to a report in Indian Express, the BCCI is extremely pleased with the arrangements of Cricket South Africa on the ongoing tour. Meanwhile, this is the key reason why the Indian cricket board is looking at the rainbow nation as an option if they are not able to host the event in India. Earlier, South Africa hosted the T20 league in 2009 due to the elections in India.
"We can't be dependent on UAE all the time so we decided to explore more options, South Africa's time difference also works out well for the players."
A BCCI official said as quoted by Indian Express
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Earlier BCCI has planned to organize the entire IPL 2022 in Maharashtra
"The place where the team was staying for the second Test is spread over several acres. There were walking tracks and even a pond on the property and that has made things easier for the players who for the last couple of years or so have been confined to their rooms on several overseas tours."
An Official said
As per an earlier report in the TOI, the Board had planned to organize the entire league in Maharashtra. The four venues are Brabourne Stadium and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and MCA Stadium in Gahunje near Pune. However, the rising of Covid-19 cases in the country led the BCCI to postpone all the domestic tournaments including Ranji. As a result, the BCCI is also planning to move the IPL 2022 season to South Africa.
"We will try to ensure that the Indian Premier League happens and in India. But we will see into this matter again in March, that how is Covid situation then."
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla told ANI on Tuesday
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Meanwhile, the report suggested that Sri Lanka is also part of Plan B for BCCI to host the cash-rich league. The upcoming season is expected to be the longest-ever with the addition of the two new teams - Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
In the last two seasons (2021 partially), BCCI moved the tournament to the UAE after the rise in COVID-19 cases. However, the board is looking for a new country this time to host the IPL 2022.