The 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has officially started with players arriving in the UAE over the weekend.
Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders sent the first set of players to Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively on Thursday. Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore are expected to be in the UAE on Friday.
The rescheduled season is set to be held in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi from September 19 to November 10. But before players can begin their preparations, they will be quarantined and required to pass Covid-19 tests.
A majority of players from all eight franchises are expected to be in the UAE over the next three days.
The tournament was moved to the UAE due to the health situation in India caused by the pandemic. While the IPL is set to be played in a bio-secure environment, the Emirates Cricket Board hopes fans will be allowed at the venues at some point.
“As hosts, ECB will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed,” Mubashshir Usmani, the general secretary of the ECB, said.
“This includes fan attendance. We will then discuss with the BCCI to assess their spectator requirements.
“We want our Asian diaspora, as well as the other expat and Emirati sports-loving fans in the UAE to be able to watch the action from the stands.”
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Venues that will host IPL in UAE
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A general view of Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Getty Images -
Ashfaq Ahmed of the UAE comes out to bat in the match between the UAE and Australia in a T20 international October 22, 2018 at Zayed Cricket Stadium's Tolerance oval. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Moeen Ali of England bats during a nets session at Zayed Cricket Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Abu Dhabi. Getty Images -
Sam Billings of England keeps wicket during a nets session at Zayed Cricket Stadium. Getty Images -
England captain Alastair Cook bats during a nets session at Zayed Cricket Stadium on October 12, 2015 in Abu Dhabi. Getty Images -
General View of the ICC Academy, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE cricket team are back at training at the ICC Academy in Dubai after the government have eased restrictions due to Covid-19 coronavirus. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Cricket summer camps at ICC Academy. Courtesy ICC Academy -
UAE cricket team trains ahead of tour to Zimbabwe at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Satish Kumar for The National -
A purple sky over the ICC Academy in Dubai during a cricket game. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sharjah cricket academy at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The changing rooms at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The new swimming pool at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The new gym at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
General view of Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Chris Whiteoak / The National
