As the Covid-19 cases are rising, the BCCI is planning to stage the entire Indian Premier League (IPL 2022) in the state of Maharashtra. It is also reported that NCP supremo, Sharad Pawar has given his nod and the necessary permissions would be taken in the coming days.
The TOI reported that the BCCI is planning to host IPL 2022 at Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, near Pune.
If the Covid surge in Maharashtra continues, then the IPL can also be shifted to the UAE.
"Pawar has given his green signal to the BCCI's proposal. During this week or in the next 10 days, he, the BCCI, and MCA officials will meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and state chief secretary Debashish Chakrabarty to arrange for the necessary permission in this regard. There should be no problem on this front, as the tournament will be played in a strict bio bubble with no crowds, and the players and officials will be tested frequently," a source told TOI.
With Covid cases in Maharashtra (40, 925) and Mumbai (20, 971) are on a rise, the Maharashtra government has allowed for sporting events if rules are being adhered to.
As per the latest order of the Maharashtra government, "sporting competitive events are to be deferred, except for National and international level competitions already scheduled, with the following: 1: No crowd, 2: Bio-bubble for all the players and officials. 3: GOI rules shall be applicable for all participating international and domestic players. 4: RT-PCR/RAT every third day for all the players and officials."
"As of now, the plan is to stage the IPL in India. If, however, the Maharashtra option too is ruled out in the future, then the BCCI might be forced to take the IPL to the UAE again," revealed a source.