A view of the cricket stadium in Dubai, UAE (File Photo)The T20 World Cup is likely to start on October 17 in UAE, with the final on November 14. The Indian cricket board will be informing the International Cricket Council (ICC) about its decision to shift the 16-nation tournament to the UAE in its next meeting.
Three venues in UAE – Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai – will host the T20 World Cup games, with Oman hosting the qualifiers.
The BCCI wanted to host the T20 World Cup in India but two issues came in the way. It is learnt that they didn’t get any tax exemption from the Indian government. Also the BCCI wasn’t sure about how keen international players would be to return to India after the IPL was suspended because of Covid-19 cases in the bio-bubble.
During a virtual meeting with all state associations a few weeks ago, the board members were informed by BCCI office bearers that by shifting T20 World Cup to UAE , the board will save around 41 percent of total earnings. If T20 World Cup happens in India then board will have to pay hefty tax.
As far as T20 World Cup is concerned, today was the deadline when we’re supposed to inform the ICC about our decision. So, today there was a conference call amongst BCCI office bearers. We met & looked at the COVID situation: BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla (1/3) pic.twitter.com/RiRSK6hw5t
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2021
Dates are going to be same. Immediately after IPL it will start. Qualifiers may take place in Oman & rest of the matches will be on three grounds — Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah: BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla (3/3)
— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2021
The BCCI hadn’t received tax exemptions when they hosted T20 World Cup in 2016.
With the new Delta variant being detected in India, the board doesn’t want to take any risks.
The BCCI had already planned UAE as back up, with Oman to host the qualifiers. The board last month had even blocked hotel rooms and in conjunction with ICC had approached Oman Cricket Board to come on board.
With T20 World Cup happening almost immediately after IPL, the BCCI feels players transit will be much easier if it’s held in UAE. Also, there won’t be any issues with quarantine for those players who will be joining their respective national teams after.
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