BCCI face quite a few obstacles as they plan to squeeze in the remainder of IPL 2021 in UAE between September 18 and October 12 clashing with a few international fixtures.
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Aside from the risky bubble to bubble transfer given the proximity of the schedule with the T20 World Cup, there are quite a few series that will have to be tweaked for IPL franchises to sport full-strength squads.
CPL 2021
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season is the biggest hurdle to the rescheduled IPL with the tournament set to go from August 28 to September 19. The number of common West Indies players makes this clash a huge one for the BCCI and the franchises. Even if missing a few games is an option, these players will have to be flown in on chartered flights to avoid quarantine measures. Pakistan’s tour of West Indies is scheduled to end on August 24, four days before the CPL begins, leaving no room for any adjustments.
IPL 2021 reschedule: International fixtures affected
South Africa tour of India
South Africa were expected to tour India in September for three ODIs and three T20Is in preparation for the T20 World Cup, but with the IPL expected to take place in that window, the fixtures that a hit and this series is likely to be shelved. India are likely to play additional white-ball games in South Africa next year to make up for this.
New Zealand tour of India
New Zealand are expected to play a five-match T20I series in Bangladesh in preparation for the T20 World Cup, shortly after Australia visit the country for a similar series. Though nothing has been confirmed, New Zealand were expected to tour India right before the T20 World Cup, but that now seems unlikely with IPL 2021 affecting these fixtures.
England tour of Bangladesh & Pakistan
“We’re planning on the involvement of England players in England matches” – ECB men’s director of cricket Ashley Giles had said a few weeks ago, clearing the air around the participation of England players if the IPL were to be held in September – October. England have tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh in the window and each of their major white-ball players, most of whom now have IPL contracts, will likely miss the season unless BCCI can convince ECB otherwise.
New Zealand tour of Pakistan
According to the ICC FTP, New Zealand also have a bilateral limited-overs series in Pakistan in September – October where they are scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20Is.
Afghanistan – Pakistan in UAE
The FTP also has Afghanistan hosting Pakistan in UAE for a three-match ODI series in September. Afghanistan’s spinners – Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Mohammad Nabi – have contracts with the same IPL franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
