They say 13 is an unlucky number. But, by the way things are moving it is proving to be lucky one for the BCCI (“Indian board wants IPL in UAE from September,” July 21, Gulf Today).

The 13th edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League was to get underway on March 29 but it has been repeatedly postponed because of a the lockdown enforced in India over the coronavirus. Now with the ICC announcing that the T20 World Cup cannot be held in Australia in October-November due to the threat posed by the pandemic, luck shines once again on the IPL.

It’s a double whammy for cricket lover in the UAE, because the country is on the shortlist and if everything goes as per schedule the seven-week extravaganza will be hosted across ovals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

The IPL needs no introduction. It is one of the richest cricket tournaments which generates more than $11 billion for the Indian economy and is played to packed stadiums across India, watched by millions.

Media reports say that the league is likely to be played from Sept. 26 to Nov. 7, which will be second hosting of the tournament in the UAE, should it go forward. Only twice before has it been played outside of Indian soil. South Africa hosted the 2009 event and part of it was held in the UAE in 2014.

 Of course the logistics will be complicated this time around with the pandemic disrupting almost everything in its sight. Indications are that it will be played behind closed doors like most the sporting tournaments held in the last few months. The ongoing UFC Fight Night on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi speaks of UAE caliber in hosting top-notch events. So, no worries there.

India is a cricket crazy country with a population of 1.3 billion people, so I guess it won’t matter much whether it is hosted with or without spectators. All fans are interested in knowing is when will the umpires take to the field.

Ralph R — By email