The buzz surrounding IPL 2020 has already started after BCCI reportedly announced the commencement date. However, after South African cricketers, England and Australia players are also likely to miss the first week of IPL 2020.
Meanwhile, BCCI originally planned to host IPL in the month of March. But owing to COVID-19, they had to postpone the league for an indefinite period. But, the apex body was confident to host the tournament at some point later.
Soon after ICC postponed the T20 World Cup in Australia, BCCI got their required window to host the glamourous league. The 13th edition of IPL will get underway from September 19 in the UAE, confirmed IPL chairman Brijesh Patel.
England-Australia players to miss a part of IPL 2020
However, IPL 2020 is likely to lose a bit of shine as England and Australian will be unavailable for the first week. The IPL schedule is clashing with England-Australia’s bilateral series. The arch-rivals will play three ODIs followed by the same number of T20Is in September.
Although England and Wales Cricket Board is yet to reveal the entire schedule, but reports suggest that the final game of the series will take place on September 16; three days before IPL starts.
The three T20Is will take place on the 4th, 6th and 8th September before three ODIs take place on the 11th, 13th and 16th. The cricketers will head to the UAE soon after the series ends, but they will have to stay in bio-secure bubbles and follow guidelines before they can actually start playing.
The cricketers from England and Australian contingent will undergo COVID-19 test immediately upon arrival. The organisers will only allow the players to join the squad if they test negative. However, they will have to follow the guidelines set by BCCI which might take up a week at least.
Meanwhile, the franchises are likely to land in the UAE three-four weeks ahead of the start of the tournament. They will remain in the bio-secure bubble and can meet only with their teammates during the period.
