IPL on course for India as UAE return is ruled out

BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal is confident the 14th edition of the competition will be played at home

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The Indian Premier League is on track to return to home shores after the United Arab Emirates was ruled out as a possible venue for the 14th edition of the competition.

Last year's delayed tournament was played in the Arab state between September and November due to the Covid-19 pandemic, just the second time the entire tournament has been played outside of India.

But the BCCI are hopeful that with cases of the virus in India on the decline, the competition can return. Meanwhile, the rate of positive tests in the UAE is starting to climb.

"We are working on having the IPL in India and we are hopeful that we would be able to organise it," BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told PTI. "We are not even thinking of a back-up also at this point in time, we are wanting to do it here. 

"India is probably safer than UAE at this point. Hopefully, the situation remains stable and keep improving and we will have it here."

Dates and fixtures for the 2021 IPL have yet to be confirmed by tournament organisers, but the showcase is set to return to its regular window in April and May.

The player auction is set for February 18, following the conclusion of the second Test between India and England in Chennai.

The prospect of fans attending IPL matches has been boosted by the BCCI confirming that the MA Chidambaram Stadium will be at 50 per cent capacity for the Test.