After all the dilemma regarding the future of IPL, the governing body finally gots its approval. The positive news came from the Indian government to host the premier tournament in UAE. The tournament final had to be postponed to November 10 to honour the broadcaster’s request. This will be the first time the IPL final will be hosted in a weekday after coinciding with the Diwali celebrations.
The timing of matches has also been changed. The governing council decided to start evening matches from 7.30 PM instead of the usual 8 PM time slot. While the eight participating teams will be allowed 24 players per franchise. The matches will be played behind closed doors in all the three stadiums- Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai during the first phase of the tournament.
Amid the socio-political disturbances between India and China especially after the Galwan Valley skirmish forced the IPL governing body to review their current sponsorship deals. The Indian government also acted strictly with some of its measures. However, after all the review IPL governing body had to stick with their current sponsors citing lack of time to look for new ones. Currently, four of their major sponsors have Chinese investments.
What The Statement From The BCCI Said?
Coming to the fixture, a statement was issued by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. This was about the governing council’s decisions are subject to necessary clearances from the Indian government.
He said, “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 the safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 Season.”
Coming to the squad size of 24, it won’t be much of a trouble for most of the teams. Only three of eight franchises- Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have picked 25 players the maximum number at the auction.
IPL starts on September 19 with Mumbai Indians going up against Chennai Super Kings in a 7.30 PM evening fixture. While the day games will start from 3.30 PM with the playoffs starting from November 5th.
The franchises are said to be ready to depart to the UAE after August 26. They will be using chartered planes to fly both domestic and overseas players. At the first phase of the tournament, the matches will be played behind closed doors. However, if things get better then limited fans may be allowed to the stadium owing to approval of the UAE government.
What an IPL insider revealed it to The Hindu?
The standard operating procedures (SOPs) is set to be shared with all the franchises. Every player and staff from the eight franchises upon arrival in the UAE. They will have to undergo three tests within a week.
There will be three tests, as per the reports. These will be on the day of arrival, on the third and the sixth day. Once you get the third negative result, only then will an individual be allowed to enter the bubble. After that, everyone in the bubble will be tested every fifth day until the tournament is over.
BCCI is also looking to organise the Women’s IPL this time. They will be adding another team to make it a tournament of four teams. The tournament is likely to take place between November 1-10. The women players are getting together in a camp prior to the start of the tournament.
