The United Arab Emirates (UAE) might consider allowing spectators in stadiums if the 13th edition of the IPL is held there from end-September to early November.

The UAE looks set to play host as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to move the money-spinning league out of the country because of the pandemic situation.

At the apex council meeting on Friday via videoconference, the members were told that necessary government permission would be sought once the International Cricket Council formally postpones the T20 World Cup next week.

“Having spectators in stadiums is subject to government approval. We will have a detailed discussion before deciding anything. There’s still time and we might consider it if the IPL is cleared to be held here,” Mubashir Usmani, general manager of Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), told The Telegraph from Dubai on Friday.

However, the BCCI’s consent will also have to be taken if fans are to be allowed in the stadiums. With fewer restrictions in Dubai and no quarantine requirements for those testing negative on arrival, the ECB is staying positive. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, other possible venues, are also expected to follow suit.

The players generally prefer to stay in Dubai since Sharjah is only a 30-minute drive from there while Abu Dhabi takes one-and-a-half hours.

“The relaxations are a positive move. It will help the BCCI to evaluate the situation. The number of Covid cases in the UAE has gone down drastically and the government is also working towards that direction,” Usmani said.

“The venues are on standby and we fully support the BCCI’s initiative. We will cooperate with them in terms of their requirements for hosting the event and work in tandem with the UAE government.”

Usmani said the BCCI “hasn’t really got back to us” after the ECB sent a formal invitation in April expressing its keenness to host the IPL.

“Perhaps the BCCI is awaiting a formal announcement from the ICC on the postponement of the T20 World Cup. Likewise we too are waiting for a feedback from the BCCI.

“The invitation had been sent in April. Once the BCCI gives the approval everything will be out in the public domain,” the ECB general manager, who will co-ordinate with the BCCI, remarked.

Both secretary Jay Shah and CAG nominee in the apex council, Alka Rehani Bharadwaj, attended Friday’s meeting. The members were told that as per legal opinion Shah, whose term has expired, could continue since the BCCI has filed a petition in the apex court seeking extension.