Cricket is regarded a religion in India and it has established to be immune to even Coronavirus provided the accomplishment of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2020 edition. IPL 2020, which was shifted to United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the prevalent pandemic scenario, has helped the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) fetch a income of staggering Rs four,000 crore. Apart from filling the coffer of BCCI, IPL 2020 viewership witnessed about a 25 per cent raise from the 2019 edition of the money-wealthy cricket tournament, BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal told media.
Covid-19 tests for 1,800 folks had been carried out but the extremely contagious illness failed to have any adverse effect on any of the 60 matches of IPL 2020 that had been played amongst eight teams at 3 venues – Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Dhumal revealed the nitty-gritty of IPL 2020 with no divulging as well several specifics on the breakup of income or viewership of IPL 2020. It ought to be noted that IPL 2020 was held with no spectators at the stadiums due to Covid-19 pandemic scenario and it was also India’s initial significant sporting tournament because the outbreak of Coronavirus. BCCI was banking on 5-year broadcast and media rights inked with Star that worth Rs 16,347 crore. Prior to the tournament, Chinese smartphone manufacturer VIVO pulled out and fantasy sports platform Dream11 was awarded the IPL 2020’s title sponsorship for Rs 222 crore.
The BCCI had to reduce 35 per cent of the price of this year’s tournament as compared to the IPL 2019. Apart from the Rs four,000 crore income in the course of the pandemic scenario and all round development in viewership, IPL 2020 opening match involving Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians garnered the highest-ever viewership for any opening match in the tournament’s history. Those who cast doubt more than the tournament at some point thanked BCCI, Dhumal stated.
However, it was not a cakewalk for BCCI to host IPL 2020 from September 19 to November ten in UAE. IPL 2020 was shrouded in trepidation following World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic tested Covid-19 optimistic even though taking aspect in exhibition matches held in Serbia and Croatia. After the episode, several advised BCCI not to organize IPL this year. However, an undaunted BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed self-confidence in holding the IPL 2020, Dhumal told Indian Express.
BCCI had received two formal invitations for hosting the IPL 2020 – 1 was from Sri Lanka Cricket Board and the other was from Emirates Cricket Board. BCCI chose UAE as the venue because a portion of IPL 2014 was held in that nation and teams could travel by bus to all the venues which would price significantly less. BCCI had 40 conference calls that lasted quite a few hours, virtual meetings deliberating on the security of players, and tie up with Restrata to guarantee a bio-safe bubble, as per the IE report.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was issued following discussions with specialists, and discount prices at hotels had been secured. Mumbai Indians emerged as the biggest contingent to take aspect in IPL 2020 with more than 150 members. There had been a tailor, a make-up artist, and a hair-dresser as aspect of the contingent. BCCI, meanwhile, had booked 200 rooms separately in order to guarantee Covid-19 individuals, if any, would need to be quarantined, Dhumal revealed.
There had been impediments as dozen members of Chennai Super Kings tested Covid-19 optimistic. Dubai authorities did loosen up the quarantine period norms but Abu Dhabi officials had been reluctant to extend any relaxation. However, BCCI officials managed to convince Abu Dhabi officials, the IE report says.
In the finish, IPL 2020 turned out to be the most competitive ever in the tournament’s history with 3 teams- Kings XI Punjab, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals completed on 12 points, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sun Risers Hyderabad completed on 14 points. Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals completed the league stage as the major two teams respectively. Mumbai Indians bagged the record 5th title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the finals.