The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to start on September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a week earlier than previously reported by news agencies, with the final to be played on November 8.

IPL Governing Council will meet next week to decide the final schedule and discuss other important details of the event. The IPL franchises have been informally intimated about the likely dates so that they can begin their preparations accordingly.

“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.

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The league which has previously been played always in the summer, will be played closer to winter back home, after COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted all plans in place. With the T20 World Cup 2020 also being postponed due to the same reason, another window opened up for the BCCI to organise the cash-rich league which holds significant importance in India's cricketing calendar.

BCCI has made its mind up to start the league a week earlier than the previous reported date of September 26, to ensure India's tour of Australia does not get jeopardized.

“The Indian team will have a mandatory quarantine of 14 days as per Australian government rules. A delay would have sent the plans haywire.

“The best part is that 51 days is not at all a curtailed period and there will be much less double headers. We could stick to original five double headers in seven week window,” the official said.

The franchises are expected to leave base by August 20, which will give the players four weeks time to train and prepare for the high-intensity tournament. It is unclear what sort of bio-bubble will be in place for the teams, and whether crowds would be allowed to attend the games in some capacity.

(With PTI inputs)