IPL 2020 will be played from September 19 to November 10 this year. The decision to this effect was taken at a virtual meeting of the IPL Governing Council last night.
The meeting was organised to give a final shape to the schedule and discuss other arrangements for the eagerly-awaited event to be held in the UAE this year.
Taking note of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India, the IPL Governing Council decided to stage the tournament in UAE and the matches will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi subject to necessary clearances from the Government of India.
The final will be played on 10th November this year. The 53-day tournament will witness 10-afternoon matches starting at 3:30 PM Indian time while the evening matches will start at 7:30 PM.
The Governing Council also discussed the comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which will be finalised and published in due course, including the agencies to execute and deliver a bio-secure environment for safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 Season.
The Governing Council also reviewed the Player Regulations for replacement players for the 2020 season.
Women’s T20 Challenge will also take place in the UAE and will comprise three teams with four matches to be played during the IPL Playoff week.
Meanwhile, Indian cricketers including ODI captain Mithali Raj has welcomed BCCI President Sourav Ganguly’s announcement that the Women’s IPL will take place during the men’s league in the UAE.
While it is expected that most of the franchises will send their recce teams to the UAE to check out the facilities as well as the bio-secure environment that can be created, there are concerns that remain, including accommodation plan and catering services.
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