ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to move out of India, UAE preferred option: ReportsIs the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 going to take place in India? This is one topic of discussion that has been going around especially after the second wave of COVID-19 put a halt to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

The event is set to take place in India in October and November and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials had conducted a Special General Meeting (SGM) on May 29 to discuss the tournament.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla was very optimistic about hosting the ICC event in India as it was still five months away. The ICC too granted BCCI permission till June 28 when they met virtually to decide on the fate of the T20 World Cup.

However, now, the BCCI has taken a U-turn and have internally intimated the ICC to shift the global event out of India. UAE is the preferred option the backup options are Oman with Muscat being the fourth venue apart from the three venues to be used during the World Cup.

"Yes, the BCCI, during the ICC board meeting, has formally asked for a four-week window to take a final call but, internally, they have said that they would like to keep the hosting rights and wouldn't mind the tournament being held in UAE and Oman," a senior board official, said as reported in Inside Sport.

He also stated that Muscat has been shortlisted to even host the preliminary rounds of the 16-team competition. This move seems sensible as BCCI has the IPL scheduled before the T20 World Cup. The pitches that will be used for the remaining 31 matches of the league will be played on the three grounds in UAE.

"If IPL finishes by October 10, then the UAE leg of World T20 can start off in November which would give three weeks’ time to the pitches to be spruced up for the global event. In the meanwhile, the first week can be held in Oman," he said.

Source : DNA India