A major decision on finalizing the window to complete the remaining 31 matches of suspended IPL 2021 will most likely be taken in BCCI's Special General Meeting (SGM) on May 29.
According to a report in Times of India, after India's tour of England ends, BCCI is willing to host the remaining IPL 14 matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in September-October. India will begin their England tour from June 18, where they have to play India vs New Zealand World Test Championship final from June 18. After the WTC Final, India is slated to play a five-Test series against England from August 4.
In Pics | Wrestler Sushil Kumar Arrested By Delhi Police In Chhatrasal Stadium Murder Case
India's tour of England will end on September 14 and BCCI will get a month's time between September 15 and October 15 before the T20 World Cup. However, BCCI has not yet made a formal request to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). But reports suggest that BCCI might request ECB to reduce the gap between the Ind vs Eng second and third Test from nine days to four days. This will give BCCI more time to complete remaining IPL matches.
“If that gap can be reduced to four, it will allow BCCI five extra days to make use of. If we can have those extra days eked out from the India-England schedule, then it adds to the window. If not, then within these 30 days, a full day will have to be set aside for the Indian team and English cricketers to travel from the UK to the UAE, five days will have to be set aside for the knockouts later,” a source was quoted saying by the TOI.
“That will leave the BCCI with 24 days to conclude 27 matches. This window has four weekends available, which means a total of eight Saturdays and Sundays for doubleheaders that can accommodate 16 matches. That will leave the BCCI with 11 matches to be held in 19 days. That’s a week extra,” the source added.