The IPL 2020 to begin on September 19 onwards in UAE.
The Coronavirus pandemic had previously forced the BCCI to postpone the IPL indefinitely despite announcing the initial start date of March 29. But with the ICC canceling the T20 World Cup in Australia, the Indian board grabbed the open window and decided to hold the T20 tournament, albeit in UAE.
BCCI also put in strict SOPs for all the franchises to follow, but still, the CSK franchise experienced 13 of its members including two players contracting the virus. This and some issues with traveling protocols in UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi meant that the board and IPL governing council had to delay the release of the schedule.
The COVID-19 threat also meant that the schedule needed to be flexible in case a franchise sees an outbreak of virus and someone had to replace them at the last moment.
After all consultations and considerations, the BCCI has finally released the schedule of the IPL 2020.
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The schedule sees last year’s finalists Chennai Super Kings taking on defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opening match of the IPL 2020 to be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The match will begin from 7.30 pm IST onwards.
The schedule also sees 10 double-headers and is subjected to change as per situations. The first match starting at 3:30 PM IST and 2:00 PM UAE time. All evening matches will start at 7:30 PM IST and 6:00 PM UAE time. In all, 24 matches will be held in Dubai, 20 in Abu Dhabi, and 12 in Sharjah.
After the tournament opener on Saturday, Dubai will host its first game on Sunday when Delhi Capitals take on Kings XI Punjab followed by the third match on Monday between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Venues for the playoffs and the Dream11 IPL 2020 final will be announced later.
Here is the IPL 2020 schedule: