The much-awaited schedule of the Indian Premier League 2020 will be released on Friday, Board of Control for Cricket in India president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed. The schedule was expected to be announced earlier but the Indian board was forced to delay it as 13 members of the CSK camp were tested positive for Covid-19.
Out of these 13 members, two were players – Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaekwad. Thus, the IPL schedule was put on hold. In fact, there were some doubts raised on the timely commencement of the IPL but the BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had confirmed that the tournament would begin as planned.
Meanwhile, the CSK players, who were not in quarantine, have been tested negative and they can start training from Friday. It is also reported that CSK could play the curtain raiser against the defending champions Mumbai Indians on September 19. Earlier, it was reported that RCB could play the first match against Mumbai Indians.
“We understand schedules are delayed. It is almost on the verge of getting final and should be released by Friday,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by a TV channel.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will host all the matches of the tournament. It is also reported the first leg of 21 matches will be played in Dubai and the second leg of 21 matches will be played in Abu Dhabi. Sharjah will host the remaining 14 matches of the league stages.
This is done so to avoid traveling and making a secure bio bubble. The teams might need to once again travel to Dubai for the playoff stages.
The IPL was originally scheduled to begin from March 29 before the coronavirus situation. However, the tournament was indefinitely postponed due to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, there will be 10 double headers in the tournament. The timing has also been changed by the Indian board. The afternoon matches will begin from 1530 IST whereas the evening matches will begin from 1930 IST. Ergo, the matches have been preponed by 30 minutes.
The IPL is all set to begin from September 19 and all the fans are eagerly waiting for the lucrative T20 league.
