Amid the anticipation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly on Thursday (September 3) confirmed that the schedule for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 would be released on Friday (September 4).

"We understand schedules are delayed. It is almost on the verge of getting final and should be released by Friday," Ganguly was quoted as saying by a TV channel, according to IANS.

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The report also claims that defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the tournament opener on September 19.

Just a couple of days ago, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had told IANS that the cash-rich event would begin as scheduled.

After 13 personnel, including two cricketers, had contracted COVID-19 upon landing in UAE, it was speculated that the tournament may not start on time.

However, Dhumal had clarified that everything was fine in UAE and the event would take place as planned. The sixty-game event will be played across venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.