IPL 2022: BCCI ‘Concerned’ With Omicron Threat, But Rules Out Relocation to UAE-Reports

The BCCI is likely to hold a meeting with Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners sometime next month to discuss the alternate plans of conducting the 2022 season of the lucrative league, amid the threat posed by the Omicron in the country. India is witnessing a rapid increase in the number of Omicron cases lately and is learnt that the board is understandably concerned about the COVID-driven health hazards nationwide in April/May, when the IPL 2022 is scheduled.

Also Read | IPL 2022 Mega Auction Likely to be Held in Bengaluru Over Two Days

According to a Cricbuzz report, the BCCI is likely to discuss all the scenarios with the franchise owners. However, the option of going back to UAE, apparently, is off the drawing board. Notably, the original plan for the league, which is likely to kick off on April 2 in Chennai, is to hold the games normally on home-and-away basis if there is no deterioration in the COVID situation in the country. But, if the situation doesn’t allow it, then the alternative plans will be activated by the board.

The organisers are also exploring the idea of holding the whole tournament just in Mumbai and Pune or in the Gujarat cities of Ahmedabad, Baroda and Rajkot if the Covid/Omicron situation worsens. And, the owners will be informed about the alternatives as well as things to look forward to in the mega auction. Earlier, the BCCI had to halt the IPL 2021 midway in May after multiple COVID-19 cases inside the league’s bio-bubble came to light. Later, the second leg of the league was played in UAE.

Also Read | IPL 2022: Lucknow Franchise Names Vijay Dahiya as Assistant Coach

The 2022 season of IPL will be a ten-team affair after the addition of two new teams – Lucknow and Ahmedabad, who are making their debut in the lucrative league.

Get all the IPL news and Cricket Score here