IPL 2021 was indefinitely postponed due to the rise in COVID-19 cases within the franchises. The BCCI confirmed that the second half of IPL will take place in the United Arab Emirates. Although there is a possibility of missing few overseas players, however, the Board of Control for Cricket in India&nbsp; (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla affirmed the league will go on in any case.&nbsp;

The excess 31 matches of IPL 2021 are likely to be held from September 15&nbsp;to October 10&nbsp;in the UAE. Notwithstanding, few of the boards aim to keep their players afresh for T20 World Cup in October, certain franchises may miss their overseas players' services.&nbsp;

Rajeev Shukla, however, guaranteed that the IPL 2021 will be completed with the accessible players and that the franchises would likewise be permitted to rope in substitutions.

Rajeev Shukla in an interaction told Khaleej Times: “We have discussed that [foreign players] issue also. Our main focus is on completing this edition of the IPL. It should not be left halfway through. So, whichever foreign players are available is fine. Whoever is not available, it is not going to stop us from hosting the tournament.

“The Indian players are there, foreign players are there, but few foreign players will not be available. As I said, we have to complete our tournament. So the franchises will definitely look for other players. Whoever is available, we are going to have the tournament with them. That’s our policy”

As of now, there are questions over the support of players from England and Australia. While Team England is scheduled to play two T20Is in Pakistan on October 14 and 15, Cricket Australia may very well need to deal with their players' responsibility in front of the World Cup and Ashes toward the year's end.&nbsp;

Rajeev Shukla is as of now in the UAE for a meeting with the Emirates Cricket Board and government experts on the coordinations of arranging the excess matches of IPL 2021. He will be joined by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, and &nbsp;Brijesh Patel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-board-meet-outcomes-unlikely-on-t20-world-cup-hosting-ftp-2023-31-cycle-to-be-discussed-388568" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC Board Meet - Outcomes unlikely on T20 World Cup hosting, FTP 2023-31 cycle to be discussed</a>

“I am already here. Now a team of office-bearers, president, secretary, and the IPL chairman will be coming here in a couple of days. We will be having discussions with the cricket board here and the other authorities. And accordingly, the schedule will be made, so the tournament happens in a very smooth manner as it happened here last year” - he added.

Rajeev Shukla indicated that the UAE was ultimately picked in light of the conceivable harsh climate in the UK. The authorities, in any case, will accept an approach permitting spectators in the stands.&nbsp;

“The only issue about the spectators, whether they will allow the spectators or not. So we will talk to them about that. We will go by whatever UAE authorities decide. If they say it’s with spectators, and a certain percentage of spectators, we are fine. Or if they say without spectators, that is also fine with us," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/virat-kohli-isnt-the-highest-paid-captain-in-international-cricket-check-full-list-of-skippers-and-salaries-in-2021-386865" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021</a>

“They are all very happy. From day one, they have been backing the UAE. There were some media reports about England [hosting the remaining matches], but there’s a weather problem in England where it rains a lot,” Shukla, who held the post of IPL" - he signed off. 
&nbsp;

IPL 2021 was indefinitely postponed due to the rise in COVID-19 cases within the franchises. The BCCI confirmed that the second half of IPL will take place in the United Arab Emirates.

IPL 2021 was indefinitely postponed due to the rise in COVID-19 cases within the franchises. The BCCI confirmed that the second half of IPL will take place in the United Arab Emirates. Although there is a possibility of missing few overseas players, however, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla affirmed the league will go on in any case. The excess 31 matches of IPL 2021 are likely to be held from September 15 to October 10 in the UAE. Notwithstanding, few of the boards aim to keep their players afresh for T20 World Cup in October, certain franchises may miss their overseas players' services. Rajeev Shukla, however, guaranteed that the IPL 2021 will be completed with the accessible players and that the franchises would likewise be permitted to rope in substitutions. Rajeev Shukla in an interaction told Khaleej Times: “We have discussed that [foreign players] issue also. Our main focus is on completing this edition of the IPL. It should not be left halfway through. So, whichever foreign players are available is fine. Whoever is not available, it is not going to stop us from hosting the tournament. “The Indian players are there, foreign players are there, but few foreign players will not be available. As I said, we have to complete our tournament. So the franchises will definitely look for other players. Whoever is available, we are going to have the tournament with them. That’s our policy” As of now, there are questions over the support of players from England and Australia. While Team England is scheduled to play two T20Is in Pakistan on October 14 and 15, Cricket Australia may very well need to deal with their players' responsibility in front of the World Cup and Ashes toward the year's end. Rajeev Shukla is as of now in the UAE for a meeting with the Emirates Cricket Board and government experts on the coordinations of arranging the excess matches of IPL 2021. He will be joined by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah, and Brijesh Patel. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC Board Meet - Outcomes unlikely on T20 World Cup hosting, FTP 2023-31 cycle to be discussed “I am already here. Now a team of office-bearers, president, secretary, and the IPL chairman will be coming here in a couple of days. We will be having discussions with the cricket board here and the other authorities. And accordingly, the schedule will be made, so the tournament happens in a very smooth manner as it happened here last year” - he added. Rajeev Shukla indicated that the UAE was ultimately picked in light of the conceivable harsh climate in the UK. The authorities, in any case, will accept an approach permitting spectators in the stands. “The only issue about the spectators, whether they will allow the spectators or not. So we will talk to them about that. We will go by whatever UAE authorities decide. If they say it’s with spectators, and a certain percentage of spectators, we are fine. Or if they say without spectators, that is also fine with us," he said. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli isn't the highest-paid captain in international cricket! - Check full list of skippers and salaries in 2021 “They are all very happy. From day one, they have been backing the UAE. There were some media reports about England [hosting the remaining matches], but there’s a weather problem in England where it rains a lot,” Shukla, who held the post of IPL" - he signed off.

IPL 2021 - Absence of overseas players not going to affect IPL 2021: Rajeev Shukla

Indian Premier League's success was in doubt before the tournament began. Many felt that coronavirus pandemic and no crowd will leave a major dent on the league's viewership. But the story has been otherwise as the just-concluded IPL witnessed a record-breaking 28 per cent increase in viewership compared to the last edition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/change-overseas-players-limit-to-5-bcci-official-suggests-changes-for-10-team-ipl-2021-342915" hreflang="en">Change overseas players' limit to 5: BCCI official suggests changes for 10-team IPL 2021</a>

The 13th edition of the T20 tournament was delayed due to the pandemic and was shifted to UAE, where the league took place between September and November. The tournament was played behind closed doors as a safety measure due to the outbreak of the virus.&nbsp;

The organisers found it challenging to conduct the tournament keeping health and safety of players in the top. Players were placed in bio-bubbles for weeks.&nbsp;

IPL chairman Brijesh Patel said, "IPL has always endeavoured to provide a world-class sports event for its fans."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-i-feel-that-ms-dhoni-may-not-be-the-captain-next-year-sanjay-bangar-342877" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: 'I feel that MS Dhoni may not be the captain next year'- Sanjay Bangar</a>

Patel went on to thank Dream11 (title sponsor), who came in the very last moment as BCCI decided to part ways with Chinese company VIVO.&nbsp;

"With Dream11 coming on board as the title sponsor for IPL 2020, we are happy to see a digital sports brand like Dream11 increasing fan engagement through fantasy sport."

"It’s equally heartening to see how Dream11 has integrated its users in all Dream11 IPL match activations. The match countdown, Dream11 Champion Fans wall and the virtual guest box have all been brought about to bring the fans to the forefront," he added.

Teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals launched several initiatives online to connect with fans because of pandemic measures in place. Mumbai launched MI Live" and "Paltan Play" and Rajasthan Royals ran a community-based programme called "Super Royals".

Mumbai Indians were the champions of IPL 2020, after beating Delhi Capitals in the finals last Tuesday. Mumbai extended their record by winning the Indian Premier League title for the fifth time. They also became the second team in IPL history to successfully defend their trophy.&nbsp;

Indian Premier League's success was in doubt before the tournament began. Many felt that coronavirus pandemic and no crowd will leave a major dent on the league's viewership.

Indian Premier League's success was in doubt before the tournament began. Many felt that coronavirus pandemic and no crowd will leave a major dent on the league's viewership. But the story has been otherwise as the just-concluded IPL witnessed a record-breaking 28 per cent increase in viewership compared to the last edition. Also read: Change overseas players' limit to 5: BCCI official suggests changes for 10-team IPL 2021 The 13th edition of the T20 tournament was delayed due to the pandemic and was shifted to UAE, where the league took place between September and November. The tournament was played behind closed doors as a safety measure due to the outbreak of the virus. The organisers found it challenging to conduct the tournament keeping health and safety of players in the top. Players were placed in bio-bubbles for weeks. IPL chairman Brijesh Patel said, "IPL has always endeavoured to provide a world-class sports event for its fans." Also read: IPL 2021: 'I feel that MS Dhoni may not be the captain next year'- Sanjay Bangar Patel went on to thank Dream11 (title sponsor), who came in the very last moment as BCCI decided to part ways with Chinese company VIVO. "With Dream11 coming on board as the title sponsor for IPL 2020, we are happy to see a digital sports brand like Dream11 increasing fan engagement through fantasy sport." "It’s equally heartening to see how Dream11 has integrated its users in all Dream11 IPL match activations. The match countdown, Dream11 Champion Fans wall and the virtual guest box have all been brought about to bring the fans to the forefront," he added. Teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals launched several initiatives online to connect with fans because of pandemic measures in place. Mumbai launched MI Live" and "Paltan Play" and Rajasthan Royals ran a community-based programme called "Super Royals". Mumbai Indians were the champions of IPL 2020, after beating Delhi Capitals in the finals last Tuesday. Mumbai extended their record by winning the Indian Premier League title for the fifth time. They also became the second team in IPL history to successfully defend their trophy.

IPL 2020 witnessed record-breaking surge in viewership

With just three weeks to go for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. While fans are eagerly waiting for the schedule to release, IPL Governing Council Chairman has spilled beans on when they can expect the fixture list to be out.&nbsp;

Franchises have reached the UAE and are observing the seven-day self-isolation procedure in line with the UAE government’s COVID-19 protocols and will soon start practicing for the much-awaited IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Currently, the IPL GC members along with the IMG team of event managers are in the UAE to finalise the remaining details for the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI wants everything to be checked thoroughly before taking a final call in regards to the IPL 2020 schedule.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-impact-future-group-no-longer-part-of-ipls-central-pool-of-sponsorship-322786" hreflang="en">COVID-19 Impact: Future Group no longer part of IPL's central pool of sponsorship</a>

IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel said that the franchises are looking at every details including recee of the venues while adding that schedule can be expected before the end of this week.&nbsp;

“We know it is getting delayed but teams are taking stock of everything including recee of the venues. Stay assured schedules will be released before the end of this week”, Brijesh Patel told InsideSport.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday gave a glimpse of how the virtual team meetings will take place in IPL 2020 as every team member including the likes of Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers among others, attended the meeting via video-conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dinesh-karthik-opines-on-mankading-says-giving-warning-is-accepted-as-spirit-of-cricket-322738" hreflang="en">Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket'</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> after landing in the UAE, with <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHesson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachHesson</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner! 💻🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoldDiaries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoldDiaries</a> <a href="https://t.co/VA4jY7HylN">pic.twitter.com/VA4jY7HylN</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1297843786140094465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

With just three weeks to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

With just three weeks to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. While fans are eagerly waiting for the schedule to release, IPL Governing Council Chairman has spilled beans on when they can expect the fixture list to be out. Franchises have reached the UAE and are observing the seven-day self-isolation procedure in line with the UAE government’s COVID-19 protocols and will soon start practicing for the much-awaited IPL 2020. Currently, the IPL GC members along with the IMG team of event managers are in the UAE to finalise the remaining details for the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI wants everything to be checked thoroughly before taking a final call in regards to the IPL 2020 schedule. ALSO READ: COVID-19 Impact: Future Group no longer part of IPL's central pool of sponsorship IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel said that the franchises are looking at every details including recee of the venues while adding that schedule can be expected before the end of this week. “We know it is getting delayed but teams are taking stock of everything including recee of the venues. Stay assured schedules will be released before the end of this week”, Brijesh Patel told InsideSport. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday gave a glimpse of how the virtual team meetings will take place in IPL 2020 as every team member including the likes of Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers among others, attended the meeting via video-conference. ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket' Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of #IPL2020 after landing in the UAE, with @CoachHesson, @imVkohli and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner! 💻🤩#PlayBold #BoldDiaries pic.twitter.com/VA4jY7HylN — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 24, 2020 × The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Friday confirmed that the 13th edition of the T20 tournament is set to be played on September 19 with the final on November 8. Patel further said that all the eight franchises have been informed about the same.

With the T20 World Cup postponed, the BCCI is working to conduct <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> in the UAE but are awaiting government approval to hold the tournament outside India.

"We have had a discussion and we are looking at the September 19 to November 8 window for this edition of the league. We have informed the franchise about the same," Patel told a leading news agency.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nocs-to-be-provided-to-all-south-african-ipl-bound-players-csa-315494" hreflang="en">NOCs to be provided to all South African IPL-bound players: CSA</a>

However, the schedule of Caribbean Premier League, which is scheduled to end on September 10, and England and Australia limited-overs series in the UK till September 15, could be an issue due to the narrow gap between the bilateral series and IPL 2020.

Patel said these issues would be picked up in the Governing Council meeting that is to be held in few days’ time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emirates-cricket-board-awaiting-final-nod-from-bcci-to-host-ipl-2020-315181" hreflang="en">Emirates Cricket Board awaiting final nod from BCCI to host IPL 2020</a>

"Shouldn't be a problem. The England-Australia series ends on September 15. So, we should have them flying in directly to Dubai. We will discuss the final matters in the governing council meeting next week," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-gc-agenda-focus-on-sops-broadcasters-demand-keeping-uae-time-in-mind-315480" hreflang="en">IPL GC Agenda: Focus on SOPs, broadcasters' demand keeping UAE time in mind</a>

While the official announcement is expected only after the IPL Governing Council meeting, the BCCI has started to chalk out the logistical plans along with all the franchises. Apart from IPL franchises, logistics and operations team from the BCCI are also set to leave for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to check on the preparations for the tournament.

The ICC on Monday announced the postponement of T20 World Cup amid the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in some of the countries while asserting that time isn’t the best to host so many teams. The decision opened a window for the BCCI to organise IPL 2020.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Friday confirmed that the 13th edition of the T20 tournament is set to be played on September 19 with the final on November 8.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Friday confirmed that the 13th edition of the T20 tournament is set to be played on September 19 with the final on November 8. Patel further said that all the eight franchises have been informed about the same. With the T20 World Cup postponed, the BCCI is working to conduct IPL 2020 in the UAE but are awaiting government approval to hold the tournament outside India. "We have had a discussion and we are looking at the September 19 to November 8 window for this edition of the league. We have informed the franchise about the same," Patel told a leading news agency. ALSO READ: NOCs to be provided to all South African IPL-bound players: CSA However, the schedule of Caribbean Premier League, which is scheduled to end on September 10, and England and Australia limited-overs series in the UK till September 15, could be an issue due to the narrow gap between the bilateral series and IPL 2020. Patel said these issues would be picked up in the Governing Council meeting that is to be held in few days’ time. ALSO READ: Emirates Cricket Board awaiting final nod from BCCI to host IPL 2020 "Shouldn't be a problem. The England-Australia series ends on September 15. So, we should have them flying in directly to Dubai. We will discuss the final matters in the governing council meeting next week," he said. ALSO READ: IPL GC Agenda: Focus on SOPs, broadcasters' demand keeping UAE time in mind While the official announcement is expected only after the IPL Governing Council meeting, the BCCI has started to chalk out the logistical plans along with all the franchises. Apart from IPL franchises, logistics and operations team from the BCCI are also set to leave for Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to check on the preparations for the tournament. The ICC on Monday announced the postponement of T20 World Cup amid the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in some of the countries while asserting that time isn’t the best to host so many teams. The decision opened a window for the BCCI to organise IPL 2020.

IPL 2020 to be played between September 19 and November 8, confirms Brijesh Patel

After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mens-t20-world-cup-2020-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-icc-314722">official postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> Governing Council is set to meet in a week or 10 days’ time to chalk out the plan for the next course of action with the eye firmly locked at the UAE as hosts this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mens-t20-world-cup-2020-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-icc-314722">The decision by ICC to postpone the T20 World Cup</a> has cleared a window for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> between September and early November. The showpiece event, scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November was postponed on Monday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The IPL GC will meet within a week or 10 days and all decisions (including final schedule) will be taken there. As of now, the plan is to have a full-fledged IPL comprising 60 games and most likely in the UAE," Patel told PTI. 
Patel further said that the operational side of the tournament is going to be a challenge.

"Just the operational side of it. Whether you do it here or outside, it doesn't matter (with no crowds)."

While the franchises had already been working on their plans for the IPL even before the ICC announcement, the majority of players don’t have access to grounds amid the pandemic and will need at least three to four weeks to reach optimum match fitness.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-bcci-asked-to-pay-640-million-usd-for-wrongfully-terminating-deccan-chargers-314048" hreflang="en">IPL: BCCI asked to pay 640 million USD for 'wrongfully terminating' Deccan Chargers</a>

Foreign players will fly in directly to the UAE from their respective countries.

"Our players will need at least three to four weeks of training, if not more. We will finalise all our plans once the BCCI announces the dates. It looks like the IPL will be in the UAE and we are ready for that," a team owner told PTI.

Whereas with the Test series against Australia approaching, specialists Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari, who are not part of the IPL, are likely to train for the much-talked-about series at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-2020-postponement-was-inevitable-say-australia-314869" hreflang="en">T20 World Cup 2020 postponement was 'inevitable', say Australia</a>

<h2>More moot points and questions ahead of the IPL GC meeting:</h2>

1) More double headers expected (original schedule had only five double headers).

2) BCCI will need to provide a Standard Operating Procedure to IPL teams even though they will have their own SOPs in place.

3) Will the BCCI compensate teams for not being able to generate gate money this year?

4) Will there be virtual commentary from Star Sports? It was seen in the recent 3TC event in South Africa with the likes of Aakash Chopra, Deep Dasgupta and Irfan Pathan commentating from home.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

After the official postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, IPL Governing Council is set to meet in a week or 10 days’ time to chalk out the plan for the next course of action with the eye firmly locked at the UAE as hosts this year.

After the official postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, IPL Governing Council is set to meet in a week or 10 days’ time to chalk out the plan for the next course of action with the eye firmly locked at the UAE as hosts this year. The decision by ICC to postpone the T20 World Cup has cleared a window for IPL 2020 between September and early November. The showpiece event, scheduled to be held in Australia in October-November was postponed on Monday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "The IPL GC will meet within a week or 10 days and all decisions (including final schedule) will be taken there. As of now, the plan is to have a full-fledged IPL comprising 60 games and most likely in the UAE," Patel told PTI. Patel further said that the operational side of the tournament is going to be a challenge. "Just the operational side of it. Whether you do it here or outside, it doesn't matter (with no crowds)." While the franchises had already been working on their plans for the IPL even before the ICC announcement, the majority of players don’t have access to grounds amid the pandemic and will need at least three to four weeks to reach optimum match fitness. ALSO READ: IPL: BCCI asked to pay 640 million USD for 'wrongfully terminating' Deccan Chargers Foreign players will fly in directly to the UAE from their respective countries. "Our players will need at least three to four weeks of training, if not more. We will finalise all our plans once the BCCI announces the dates. It looks like the IPL will be in the UAE and we are ready for that," a team owner told PTI. Whereas with the Test series against Australia approaching, specialists Cheteshwar Pujara and Hanuma Vihari, who are not part of the IPL, are likely to train for the much-talked-about series at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2020 postponement was 'inevitable', say Australia More moot points and questions ahead of the IPL GC meeting: 1) More double headers expected (original schedule had only five double headers). 2) BCCI will need to provide a Standard Operating Procedure to IPL teams even though they will have their own SOPs in place. 3) Will the BCCI compensate teams for not being able to generate gate money this year? 4) Will there be virtual commentary from Star Sports? It was seen in the recent 3TC event in South Africa with the likes of Aakash Chopra, Deep Dasgupta and Irfan Pathan commentating from home. (With inputs from PTI)

Planning for full-fledged IPL 2020, most likely in the UAE: Brijesh Patel

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has locked September-October window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, subject to postponement of Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, chairman of the tournament Brijesh Patel said on Thursday.&nbsp;

Patel even hinted that the cash-rich tournament could be held overseas as games behind closed doors make location irrelevant.&nbsp;

"We are looking at the September-October window but that is subject to the postponement of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. We will also have to follow the government guidelines at that time," Patel told PTI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-tour-of-sri-lanka-called-off-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-305136" hreflang="en">India's tour of Sri Lanka called off due to COVID-19 pandemic</a>

While the Asia Cup is slated to be played in September followed by T20 World Cup in October-November, future of both the tournaments has not been decided by the ICC with the global body expected to take a call on the showpiece event in Australia next month.

The UAE and Sri Lanka have shown interest in hosting IPL 2020 and given the rising cases in India, the option to conduct the league overseas could be opted.

"First preference is India of course but a lot will depend on the situation at that time. Sri Lanka has offered to host it and so has UAE, we will see where we can play. If you are playing without crowds, it doesn't matter where you play," said Patel.

The 2009 edition of IPL was hosted by South Africa due to general elections in India with the 2014 edition being partially held in the UAE in 2014. The BCCI will take a financial hit to the tune of Rs 4000 crore if the IPL is cancelled. Patel added a truncated version of IPL could also be looked into.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-working-on-possible-options-for-ipl-2020-sourav-ganguly-in-letter-to-state-associations-305021" hreflang="en">BCCI working on possible options for IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly in letter to state associations</a>

"We want normal duration for the tournament but again it depends on which tournament (Asia Cup or World Cup) is postponed.

"IPL is an important tournament for the board, sponsors, broadcasters and the players. Everyone wants it to happen. I am sure the players are itching to take the field."

"I think the ICC will take a call soon. If the World Cup is happening, then teams need to start preparing too. Also, World Cup without crowd is no World Cup but you can play an IPL behind closed doors," added Patel.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka cricket has confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka scheduled to be played in June, won’t go as planned due to COVID-19 pandemic. 
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has locked September-October window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, subject to postponement of Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, chairman of the tournament Brijesh Patel said on Thursday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has locked September-October window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, subject to postponement of Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, chairman of the tournament Brijesh Patel said on Thursday. Patel even hinted that the cash-rich tournament could be held overseas as games behind closed doors make location irrelevant. "We are looking at the September-October window but that is subject to the postponement of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. We will also have to follow the government guidelines at that time," Patel told PTI. ALSO READ: India's tour of Sri Lanka called off due to COVID-19 pandemic While the Asia Cup is slated to be played in September followed by T20 World Cup in October-November, future of both the tournaments has not been decided by the ICC with the global body expected to take a call on the showpiece event in Australia next month. The UAE and Sri Lanka have shown interest in hosting IPL 2020 and given the rising cases in India, the option to conduct the league overseas could be opted. "First preference is India of course but a lot will depend on the situation at that time. Sri Lanka has offered to host it and so has UAE, we will see where we can play. If you are playing without crowds, it doesn't matter where you play," said Patel. The 2009 edition of IPL was hosted by South Africa due to general elections in India with the 2014 edition being partially held in the UAE in 2014. The BCCI will take a financial hit to the tune of Rs 4000 crore if the IPL is cancelled. Patel added a truncated version of IPL could also be looked into. ALSO READ: BCCI working on possible options for IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly in letter to state associations "We want normal duration for the tournament but again it depends on which tournament (Asia Cup or World Cup) is postponed. "IPL is an important tournament for the board, sponsors, broadcasters and the players. Everyone wants it to happen. I am sure the players are itching to take the field." "I think the ICC will take a call soon. If the World Cup is happening, then teams need to start preparing too. Also, World Cup without crowd is no World Cup but you can play an IPL behind closed doors," added Patel. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka cricket has confirmed that India’s tour of Sri Lanka scheduled to be played in June, won’t go as planned due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Brijesh Patel: In empty stadiums, it hardly matters if IPL is held in India or overseas

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