The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) was shifted to UAE for the second phase of the tournament after the first leg which was held in India earlier this year was suspended due to COVID-19 cases in bio-bubbles of different franchises.
With the cash-rich league being shifted to UAE and the first match of this second-leg will be played between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), the former has announced their travel plans.
“We are finalizing on the exact date, but it would be either on August 13 or 14th. Whoever is available will travel together,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Sportstar.
While last year, before leaving for UAE, the Chennai-based franchise had conducted a three-day camp at the Chepauk under the guidance of captain MS Dhoni. But, Vishwanathan has confirmed that there won’t be any training camps this year around.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is also planning to reach the Emirates by September 1. A source in the know of developments has confirmed that the franchise is in the "final stages of planning" and the logistics are being worked on.
But, with Pakistan Cricket Board announcing a white-ball series against New Zealand around that time, there is a doubt on the availability of not only SRH skipper Kane Williamson’s but also all the New Zealand cricketers.
“As of now, we are hopeful that all the New Zealand players will be available. But we have not heard anything formally yet,” a source said. A total of eight New Zealand cricketers are part of the IPL.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) has decided to leave on August 29. The franchise CEO, Satish Menon, confirmed that the team will be based in a luxurious hotel in Dubai.
(Sportstar Inputs)
