Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra on Thursday that Royal Challengers Bangalore can be one of the biggest beneficiaries when the Indian Premier League (IPL) takes place un UAE later this year.
The news of the Indian Premier League taking place in UAE is confirmed and BCCI is looking for the September to October window for staging the cash-rich league.
“Whatever has happened in the past 12 years, you need to forget it, as this year if the IPL happens in the UAE then there is no distinctive advantage for any team. If you play matches at neutral venues, then there is no home support and no familiarity with the pitches. Every team will be starting at par with each other. Mumbai and Chennai are top-class teams, they will eventually catch up even if they get off to a slow start,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra cited that RCB may have a slender bowling lineup, but they may still have an advantage in the upcoming season. One of the reasons is due to the bigger cricket grounds and spinners would find immense help from that.
“RCB does not have a strong bowling attack, in the last season they just won three matches at their home ground, they have a limited bowling attack but it can come good in the UAE as there are big grounds. So I really think RCB can be one of the big beneficiaries with the IPL taking place abroad. Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi will have a big role to play in the UAE,” he added.
Chopra also said that Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals will also have an advantage when they play in UAE, as their current bowling department is balanced with both spin and pace attack. And also that Kings XI Punjab has won all the five matches they have played in UAE.
Currently, the BCCI is seeking permission from the government for the green signal to go ahead with the tournament and also discuss further plans in the next IPL governing council meeting.
