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Monty Panesar
Monty Panesar is against the idea of England hosting the remainder of IPL 2021. He argued that there is a lot of rainfall in England in September which would spoil the tournament.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 was postponed indefinitely after multiple positive covid-19 cases were detected in the bio-bubble. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the tournament would not continue in India. England and UAE are being considered as possible destinations to resume the tournament.
No particular date of resumption has been given. But BCCI officials have hinted that the September window ahead of the T20 world cup could be an apt time.
Panesar suggested that the BCCI should go forward with UAE. The heavy rainfall in England in September would be a spoilsport in the IPL 2021. There would be too many intervals to enjoy the game. If India is unable to control the surge in COVID-19 cases then the tournament should be held in UAE. The weather conditions play a huge role in the tournament’s success. When it rains in England, the match can get impacted. The 20 overs league can get reduced to 15 overs and then 10 overs if the weather doesn’t get better.
According to reports, the BCCI is set to make the IPL 2021 phase 2 scheduling and venue announcements on 29th May. The previous edition of IPL was also held in UAE from September – November 2020.
Pakistani Super League (PSL) 2021 also got postponed midway due to the pandemic. It is scheduled to be held in Dubai as well.
Authorities should take into account the weather conditions while deciding the schedule and venue
Monty Panesar further stated that the hallmark of IPL is its complete game. The 15th and 20th overs are the most exciting and high-scoring overs in those matches. It would not be equally as much fun if the overs get reduced due to rain. Authorities should consider the weather factor while deciding on the venue. The weather in UAE would be great for hosting IPL 2021 phase 2.
31 matches out of 60 are still left to be played in IPL 2021. Apart from arranging a new schedule and Venue, the BCCI would also have to manage the workload of both domestic and foreign players. It would not be an easy task.