IPL 2021: English Grounds Consider Role As Indian Premier League Stand-In Hosts

Several Test grounds in England are ready to act as stand-in hosts for the concluding matches of this year's coronavirus-hit Indian Premier League, according to media reports published Thursday. T

There are 31 scheduled IPL fixtures still to be played and staging any of them in England would require both BCCI and ECB approval.

Such a move still appears to be a long way off, with an ECB spokesperson telling Britain's Press Association: "We speak to the BCCI regularly about tours and other matters and we'll continue doing so, but we have received no indication that they are looking for alternative hosts for the IPL at the moment."

Last year's IPL was played behind closed doors in the United Arab Emirates on health grounds. Resuming the IPL in England, after the conclusion of India's tour, and at a time when fans are expected to be back at British sports grounds in significant numbers, maybe an attractive proposition.

Returning to the UAE might not be an option if it becomes the substitute venue for the T20 World Cup in October, should India no longer be able to stage that event, as grounds there may not be able to cope with such a volume of cricket.

Travel restrictions, however, could make it difficult for IPL support staff to enter the UK even if many leading Indian players will already be in England because of their tour commitments.