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.
IPL teams arrive in the UAE
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.”
________________
Venues that will host IPL in UAE
