Soon after ICC postponed the T20 World Cup in Australia, the buzz surrounding IPL 2020 has started. BCCI is in the final stages of deciding the revamped schedule of the 13th edition of the league. As per a report in Cricbuzz, the marquee league is likely to commence from September 19 in the UAE. confirmed IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel.
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.
IPL to start from September 19
Meanwhile, earlier reports suggested that the competition will start on September 26. But as per reports in PTI, BCCI is likely to prepone the schedule by a week. The IPL Governing Council will meet next week to chalk out the final plans.
However, it is likely that they have already intimated the franchises about their plan. A BCCI official also had indicated earlier that IPL will commence a week earlier the reported start date of September 26.
“IPL in all likelihood will start on September 19 (Saturday) and the final will be held on November 8 (Sunday). It is a 51-day window which will suit the franchises as well as the broadcasters and other stakeholders,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Meanwhile, the decision comes after Cricket Australia announced that Indian cricketers will have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days before the start of the series. BCCI is no way in the mood to jeopardise their tour of Australia. Thus, they had decided to prepone the series.
“The Indian team will have a mandatory quarantine of 14 days as per Australian government rules. A delay would have sent the plans haywire,” he added.
The franchises are likely to leave India within August 20 which will give them extra four weeks to prepare for IPL 2020. The Emirates Cricket Board also revealed that they are currently working on the logistics part to ensure a smooth running of IPL 2020.
