Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has confirmed the dates of departure for the UAE. Meanwhile, BCCI and IPL governing council decided that the teams cannot leave the country before August 20.
Meanwhile, BCCI officially got the clearance from the government to host the entire IPL in the UAE. Owing to the rise in the COVID-19 cases in the country, BCCI had to shift the tournament abroad.
The 13th edition of the cash-rich league will commence from September 19 and will run until November 10. This is the first time in 13 years that IPL final will be on a weekday. As the franchises prepare for departure, Royal Challengers Bangalore has confirmed the dates.
Royal Challengers Bangalore confirm dates for departure IPL 2020
According to Sanjeev Churiwala, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) chairman, the team will leave on August 21 or 22. He also confirmed that the players will assemble in Bengaluru and will follow the BCCI’s protocol before leaving the country.
“The players would start assembling in a few days and after reaching Bengaluru, they will follow the protocol as decided by the BCCI’s standard operating procedures (SOP). They will be staying in a select hotel before leaving the country. Tests will be done as per the SOP. All Indian players and the support staff will be flying out in a chartered plane,” Churiwala told to The New Indian Express.
Meanwhile, the players will have to follow strict rules and will have to remain in bio-secure bubbles. Moreover, the family members, who will accompany the cricketers will also have to follow the rules and regulations in place.
“Very selective players (of RCB) will be taking their families along with them. Families will also be subjected to the guidelines of the bio-bubble,” said Churiwala.
Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers will chase for their first trophy in 13 years. Skipper Virat Kohli has already begun preparations for the cash-rich league and will be desperate to lead his side to glory.
