IPL 2022: BCCI ready to push auction dates for the sake of CVC issue, mulling advancing IPL dates by a week due to Covid – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are considering a potential plan B for the upcoming IPL 2022 amid the rise of COVID-19 Omicron cases. The BCCI had to recently postpone the Ranji Trophy scheduled to kick off later this month, and have a packed calendar, with the IPL 2022 mega auction also yet to be held. A preponement of the tournament is being considered, while potential venues including Mumbai are also up for discussion. Follow Insidesport.in for all IPL 2022 LIVE Updates.
IPL 2022: BCCI ready to push auction dates for the sake of CVC issue, mulling advancing IPL dates by a week due to Covid
As per Cricbuzz, the BCCI are plotting a potential Plan B for the upcoming IPL 2022. With the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the board is reportedly considering Mumbai as the sole venue to host the entire edition of the tournament. At this stage, two options are on the table – 10 centres or just three centres namely the Wankhede, CCI (Brabourne Stadium) and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.
A return to the UAE has not been discussed, with the BCCI not keen on hosting the tournament in the Gulf nation. The last 1.5 seasons of the IPL were held in the UAE, followed by the T20 World Cup in October last year. The option of advancing the starting date by week — from April 2 to March 25 – is also being considered, the purpose of it being to have fewer double-headers and day games.
IPL 2022: BCCI ready to push auction dates for the sake of CVC issue, mulling advancing IPL dates by a week due to Covid
Meanwhile, as the Lucknow IPL franchise go on about their business, signing sponsors and confirming their coaching staff, Team Ahmedabad are stuck in limbo. CVC Capital is yet to sign an agreement for the franchise following the revelation of their links to a UK based betting company. Now, the lawyers from the two parties are working on finding the correct terminology to avoid a hassle in the future. While frustrations remain regarding the delay, those in the know believe that the delay cannot be avoided.
This protracted process is likely to affect the IPL 2022 mega auction, scheduled for next month. The BCCI are to stick to the February 12-13 auctions dates as of now, but if need be, it may put it off by a week or 10 days. The final auction dates will be announced once the agreement with CVC is signed which the BCCI officials are saying will be sooner than later. The Board is likely to give the two new franchises 10-15 days after the CVC is resolved to sign players before the auction.
