Everything You Need to Know About IPL 2020!
IPL will go to UAE for the second time after 2014. Firstly, we all hoped IPL to be held in India. But, due to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, it wasn’t considered safe. Earlier, it was planned to stage IPL at three to four venues in India. Mumbai, Pune, Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Vadodara were the four venues.
According to the IPL governing council meeting held on Sunday, the sports ministry has given permission for Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The final clearance is yet to come from the union home ministry.
The tournament is planned from September 19 to November 10 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The tournament will have 10 afternoon-matches starting at 3:30 PM IST and evening-matches starting at 7:30 PM IST.
Spectators:
It’s very relieving news to hear about the much-awaited game. Keeping in mind the current health crisis, BCCI is looking to start the tournament as a closed-door event. It is yet to decide the number of spectators to be permitted and the safety protocols to be followed based on the decision of the UAE government.
IPL franchises are eagerly waiting to hear from the BCCI to ensure a bio-secure environment for the safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 season. Availability of sources will not be as before due to the strict health protocols of ICC Academy in Dubai. There are huge practice facilities in Abu Dhabi ground.
BCCI is in talks with Emirate Airlines to coordinate the journey with the franchises and a few franchises look for charter flights.
Sponsorship:
IPL governing council on Sunday decided to keep all its sponsors. Making ₹2199 crore deal intact, it is decided that the Chinese mobile company Vivo will remain the title sponsors of IPL. It is also looking for an associate partner as the deal with FBB has ended.
Generally, and IPL franchise consists of 25 to 28 players in its squad and at least 10 to 15 members as supporting stuff besides the executives. Now, the strength of the team is limited to 24 players each and COVID-19 substitutes will also be allowed.
It looks like there will not be any compromise in the number of players. An official announcement from BCCI is yet to be heard to make plans for training camps for players.
Women T20 Challenge:
In June, the series of Indian women’s team in England was postponed due to Coronavirus pandemic.
Women T20 challenge will be played alongside the IPL like every year. It comprises of 3 teams which will play 4 matches, including the final, in UAE in the first week of November, i.e., from November 1 to November 10.
The ICC women’s cricket 50-over World Cup will begin next year in New Zealand. BCCI is planning to hold a training camp in October for its players. It is also expected to hold a limited-over series with South Africa in October depending on the permission of the Indian government.
