CricDigs Blogs

There has been an increased sense of mutual understanding between the BCCI and the ECB. Now that England have come through of their promise of touring India even after the terror attacks in Mumbai the relations between the two cricketing Boards are getting better by the day. In fact, there is a proposition that IPL matches could be staged in England. This is a real startling piece of information because just a few weeks back the ECB seemed ruthlessly set against the idea of its players even participating in the IPL. It looks as if the BCCI is trying real hard to impress upon the ECB and their effort is being reciprocated in a very positive manner.

At one point there was a virtual deadlock between the two boards and England players were asked not to even think about IPL participation. However, if the IPL matches are staged in the UK, it would be more comfortable for the England players to participate. ECB might have calculated the fact that hosting the IPL in their backyard would given the England team another advantage — these matches could serve as the best preparatory option for the tentatively-scheduled World Twenty20.

I guess from a financial perspective too, this sort of scheduling would be very beneficial for the ECB. The presence of huge Indian diaspora in the UK guarantees substantial viewership. Furthermore, the small county grounds would enable a lot of free hitting from the batsmen, something essential for T20 matches. It is difficult to make out the real reason for the BCCI proposing this. Are they afraid of the terror-struck reputation of the sub-continent disrupting the IPL schedule again and want to ascertain a safe back-up option for the future or is this a goodwill gesture for England coming to India during a difficult time and helping to safeguard India’s reputation as a cricketing host.