After a lot of speculations, BCCI has finally got the government clearance on the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League. The tournament will commence from September 19 with the final taking place on November 10. It is the first time in 13 years, the pinnacle clash will take place in a weekday.
Earlier, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had revealed that IPL 2020 will start from September 10 and run until November 8. However, after the governing council meeting today, they have postponed the final by two days.
IPL 2020 final to take place on November 10
Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official confirmed that they wanted to ensure enough spacing between the games, considering the strict protocols that will be in place. The matches will take place in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
“We have decided to go up till November 10 and so the final will be held on a weekday for the first time. Also, to ensure that there are enough gaps between games considering the travelling and the bio-secure environment and keeping all these things in mind, we will have 10 double-headers this season,” the official revealed.
BREAKING NEWS: IPL 2020 will be played in UAE between September 19- November 10.
All evening matches will begin at 7:30 PM IST
Total 10 double headers in IPL 2020
#IPL #IPL13 #IPL2020 #UAE #Cricket— CricFit (@CricFit) August 2, 2020
Initially scheduled to start in March, BCCI had to postpone the cash-rich league owing to COVID-19 outbreak. During a time when all the organisers were cancelling events, the apex body was sure about hosting IPL 2020. And luckily, things worked in their favour after ICC officially postponed the global event.
Moreover, the matches will commence at 7:30 PM IST, unlike previous season when the evening matches commenced at 8:00 PM. Also, there will be only 10 double-headers in IPL 2020.
“We have decided to bring it forward by 30 minutes from the regular time of the IPL which is 8 p.m. for evening games and we will start at 7:30 instead,” he added.
In conclusion, the official revealed that Emirates Cricket Board would take the call on allowing crowds in the stadiums. Earlier this week, they admitted that they are planning to bring in 30-50 percent crowds after discussing with the government.
