The Indian Premier League governing body met on Sunday evening in their scheduled meeting to discuss the way forward for the League to be held in UAE. As the tournament was to take place amid the pandemic scare, the new rules were to be discussed and formulated. The governing body confirmed the tournament to be held from September 19th and the final to be played on November 10 ( the tentative dates were slated to be September 19th and finals to be held on November 8th).
It was also concluded that 10 double-headers would be played in the 53-day tournament with evening matches starting half an hour earlier at 7:30 PM IST slot.
All the eight teams will leave India after August 26 and each team would be allowed a maximum of 24 players to be part. If such a case arises where a player is unwell due to the coronavirus, a replacement for the player would be permitted. This was thus a big takeaway from the meeting which was held.
At least till the midway point of the tournament, crowds will not be entertained. Post which, a decision would be taken after assessing the situation. Standard Operating Procedures are being worked out in consultation with specialists and a bio-bubble is also being readied. Top hospitals and doctors are being brought on board to handle the part of the medical protocol of the SOPs.
The Women's T20 Challenge or commonly known as Women’s IPL also gets approval. The 4-team tournament is scheduled to be held between November 1 and 10 in the UAE.
In UAE, only two venues are planned to be used to host matches, which would mean players do not travel a lot.
"Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is still being prepared but there would be any number of COVID replacements this year," a BCCI official told PTI(News agency)
The most discussed issue was put to bed on Sunday was Chinese sponsorship of the League. It became an issue after violent clashes between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh in June of this year in which India lost 20 soldiers in the showdown, causing outrage across the country after which the Board of Cricket Control promised to review the deals.
"All I can say is that all our sponsors are with us. Hopefully you can read between the lines," an IPL GC member told PTI on conditions of anonymity after Sunday's meeting.
The finals were scheduled to be held on November 10 as it enters the Diwali week and will make it lucrative for the broadcasters.
"The final will be played on November 10 as it enters the Diwali week making it lucrative for the broadcasters," the IPL GC member said.
"Also the BCCI has received presentations from a Dubai based group on creating a medical facility in the UAE. The BCCI is also in talks with the Tata Group for creating a bio-bubble," the official said.
The Indian Premier League 2019 title was claimed by Mumbai Indians after their nerve-wracking 1 run victory over Chennai Super Kings in the finals held in Hyderabad. Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders was awarded the player of the series. David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad ended up as top run-getter in the league and Imran Tahir of Chennai Super Kings ended up as the highest wicket-taker with 26 wickets to his name.
Cover Credits: CricketCountry
