The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League had decided that it will be devoid of media presence physically due to the stringent protocols enforced, keeping in mind the current view of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, BCCI revealed the news and it is also reported that teams will not be obligated to hold pre-match conferences.
However, a virtual media conference will be set up in its place and will take place regularly. BCCI stated everything in detail in a media release that said, “The Dream 11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is being held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Owing to the health and safety concerns, media personnel will not have access to the stadium to cover the games or team practice sessions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recognizes the high interest in the league and will facilitate virtual post-match press conferences after each match to the media.”
The BCCI has also promised to provide accredited media constituting 35 images per match, much more than what was used in earlier years. BCCI also warned that the images must be strictly used for editorial purposes and be credited with BCCI/IPL on every platform. The latest edition is finally set to commence after being almost scrapped for this year as it was earlier held in March like the previous years.
Everyone is pumped up as the tournament begins in the same way it ended last season with two of the most successful IPL franchises locking horns against each other. Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise with four IPL trophies and are also the defending champions, while Chennai Super Kings have won it thrice.
Irrespective of the team you support, almost every cricket fan is also dying to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni back in action as the ex-Indian skipper will be back on the field after more than a year’s gap. His last appearance for India was in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
Cover Credits: DNAIndia
