“Eventually the decision will depend on the host broadcaster, and what he feels about it because timings sometimes can make a difference”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Interim Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sunil Gavaskar has revealed that this year’s Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) could be held in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates hosted the first leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, but a final decision on where the CLT20 will be held will be taken within the next four weeks.
“[It is] certainly a possibility because there are two aspects at the back of the BCCI’s mind,” Gavaskar said. “The first is the weather in India at that stage, because it will be monsoon-ish still and the monsoon will be tapering off and you know don’t want to have matches washed out. That will be one at the back of their mind. And the fact that you know at that particular time there will be a lot of people wanting to come to Dubai.
“So I guess, you know, those are the factors that will certainly come into play. Eventually the decision will depend on the host broadcaster, and what he feels about it because timings sometimes can make a difference so I think all those factors have certainly to be sorted out within the next four weeks or so.”
Gavaskar also noted that he may consider sending India for a tour of the United Arab Emirates.
“I think now that we’ve had an opening through the IPL, I think certainly that is something that the BCCI will definitely consider,” he said. “Because they have seen what the facilities on offer are and when you talk about facilities you are not only talking about on-field playing facilities, you are talking of practice facilities, which are so important when you need to prepare for the match. Those were actually world-class as well and that has made a huge impact on the authorities in India.
“As soon as there is window available, India will be looking to come down. Whether it is to play Pakistan or whether it is to play some triangular tournament, I’m not too sure but India will be looking for that window to come back here.”
Gavaskar added that he has already written to the Supreme Court over his future with the BCCI.
“Well, at the moment, I am a little bit unsure,” he said. “When the appointment when first came through from the honorable Supreme Court, it was pretty sure it was till the end of the IPL. In the middle also, there was a hearing where the honorable court said that I should carry on till further orders. So I have just written to them and I will know in the next few days whether my role is over or whether I still continue. So at the moment, I am little bit in the dark about it.”