2021 T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka emerges as ‘dark horse’ to host event after BCCI engages with SLC

While the UAE has three venues in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka will have a lot many options with Colombo alone having three stadiums.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already been discussing hosting the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), in a recent turn of events, Sri Lanka has entered the race as the ‘dark horse’ to help India host the showpiece event. Speaking to news agency ANI, sources in the know of developments said while the BCCI officials have been speaking to the ECB officials, there have been talks with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as well. “See, there is no denying the fact that BCCI and ECB officials have been having discussions on taking the showpiece event to UAE with an eye on the COVID-19 situation in India. But, what also needs to be kept in mind here is that hosting the IPL would mean quite a few games, not to forget other tournaments or matches that might be held in some of the venues and tired wickets by the time of the World Cup. “Keeping the playing conditions in mind, there have been some talks with SLC officials and just basic discussions to be honest. Too early to get into the details, but we still have some time before we need to get back to the ICC to inform them on the situation as the BCCI will continue to have the hosting rights even if it is played outside India,” the BCCI source was quoted as saying by the news agency.