IPL 2020 in UAE from September 19 to November 10; here is full BCCI statement, match start times
The BCCI has made it official. IPL 2020 will be played from September 19 to November 10. The 53-day tournament has been shifted out of India due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. IPL Governing Council met today (August 2) and made an announcement
FollowBengaluru: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday night (August 2) confirmed that the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 (Saturday) to November 10 (Tuesday).
The decision was made about the tournament after the IPL Governing Council (GC) meeting via video conference. The cash-rich league will be played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah "subject to necessary clearances from the Government of India".
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“The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) met today (August 2) via video-conference to decide on the issues concerning the VIVO IPL 2020 edition. Taking note of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India, the IPL GC decided to stage the tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the matches will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi subject to necessary clearances from the Government of India,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a media advisory.
Also read: Emirates Cricket Board's (ECB) official statement
The 53-day tournament will have 10 afternoon matches which start at 3.30 PM IST while the evening games begin at 7.30 PM IST.
“VIVO IPL 2020 will be played from 19th September and the final will be played on 10th November 2020. The 53-day tournament will witness 10-afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST while the evening matches will start at 19:30 IST,” he added.
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He further stated, “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 safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 Season.
“The Governing Council also reviewed the Player Regulations for replacement player for 2020 season.”
Also, the BCCI said women’s T20 Challenge will also take place in the UAE and will comprise three teams with four matches to be played during the IPL Playoff week.
A meeting with the franchises will be called shortly, the Indian cricket board said.
Earlier, IPL 2020 was to get underway in March in India. However, it was postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
