- The second Covid wave has been extremely unkind on the Indian nation from all fronts is stating the obvious. When we all blissfully thought that the Covid situation is improving by the day, came a deathly blow in the form of an unexpected but devasting resurgence rendering the citizens battered yet again. Call it novelty factor or ingenious methodology invented by the enterprising brains, a workable mechanism in the form of a bio-bubble environment was invented to ensure uninterrupted sporting activities get underway keeping in mind the safety and health protocols. Idea was to keep the virulent virus at bay. The system proved quite successful in many parts of the world encouraging sports associations to adopt the same though spectators were not allowed initially. Now, limited spectators are allowed inside the stadiums.
PC: Aditya Saroha
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also was quickly off the block in successfully organizing the lucrative 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket tournament in the United Arab Emirates last year. The IPL was in the later stages of the 14th edition when the growing number of confirmed infection cases forced the league to suspend the remaining matches mid-way in April this year. A decision is taken to complete the remainder of the league in the UAE in October as the situation prevalent in the country vis-à-vis virus is anything but comfortable for resumption. Similarly, cricket enthusiasts will recall that the T20 World Cup scheduled in Australia last year had to be postponed to 2022 owing to the pandemic.
- The BCCI was to host the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup during October-November in India. However, there was increasing apprehension whether the high-stakes tournament would be organized at all what with the medical and scientific experts predicting a possible third wave striking the country during the period. There were unconfirmed talks about the shifting of the venue to a much safer and secure country albeit BCCI would continue to remain the host. Those predicaments have finally come true with the International Cricket Council (ICC) announcing the shifting of the World Cup to UAE and Oman much to the disappointment of the Indian fans. Of course, the move is pragmatic and could not have been better considering the safety of players.
PC:Mayukh Bhattacharjee
- Even though the BCCI did leave no stone unturned in its endeavor to hosting the event in India, the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic eventually appears to have forced the reconsideration move. Four venues Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground have been shortlisted for the tournament. The tournament will be held from October 17 to November 14. Yes, we do have the option of watching the mouth-watering fare dished out by the competent and combative international teams on the television. This should suffice since most of us are now quite used to the Idiot Box providing us entertainment over the last year and a half. Let the action begin!
