BCCI rule out India hosting rescheduled IPL during Covid-19 pandemic

Sourav Ganguly says it is too early to speculate about when the remaining 31 matches of the 14th edition will be staged

IPL 2021 suspended following outbreak of Covid-19 cases at four franchises

Sri Lanka Cricket offer to host rescheduled IPL

The Indian Premier League will likely be looking for a new venue after BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly ruled India hosting the remainder of this year's competition while the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage.

Last week saw the 14th edition of the tournament postponed, with 31 matches still to play, following a number of case inside the bio-secure bubble.

As well as finding a window in the calendar, identifying a viable venue to stage the matches presents a major headache for organisers.

With deaths caused by coronavirus, as well as infections, continuing to rise India is increasingly looking like an untenable prospective venue.

"There are lots of organisational hazards like 14-day quarantine," Ganguly told Sportstar Magazine when asked about the IPL's return, which will not not occur before the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.

"It can't happen in India. This quarantine is tough to handle. Too early to say how we can find a slot to complete the IPL.

"Bubble life is harsh; it’s the toughest thing. Since last September, a majority of players around the world have been living inside a bubble. There is no option. We can’t play cricket without the bubble."

United Arab Emirates - where the T20 World Cup could also be moved - Sri Lanka and England are candidates to host the rest of the schedule which still has much of the group phase and playoffs to complete.

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