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Chennai Super Kings (Photo Credit BCCI/IPL)
As reported by sources, South Africa will be the alternate venue for Indian T20 League 2022 if there is a spike in the Covid-19 cases in India. The dates for the upcoming season have not been announced yet.
Some reports suggest that BCCI is keen to host the tournament in Maharashtra, with Brabourne stadium, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and MCA Stadium in Pune as venues. However, the COVID-19 situation in India is getting worse with every passing day, leaving the BCCI concerned.
As per the Times of India (TOI), if there is a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in India, South Africa is likely to host the 15th edition of the tournament. The last time ITL was hosted by South Africa was in 2009, during the general elections in India.
The tournament was moved in the final hour but BCCI and Cricket South Africa managed the situation well.
The last two seasons of the tournament were played in UAE due to COVID-19. The 2020 season was held completely, while the second half of the 2021 edition was moved to UAE after COVID forced the season to be abandoned midway in India.
Meanwhile, ahead of the mega auction, the two new teams have signed three players from the draft of available players. The Lucknow team has signed KL Rahul as the captain of the team, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, and uncapped Rajasthan-based Ravi Bishnoi.
Ahmedabad, on the other hand, have signed Hardik Pandya as the captain, Rashid Khan, and Shubman Gill.
The ITL mega auction is scheduled for the 12th and 13th of February in Bangalore. A total of 1214 players will go under the hammer in the mega auction.