While all the franchises of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19. While IPL Governing Council Chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-ipl-2020-schedule-release-brijesh-patel-spills-the-beans-322827">Brijesh Patel had earlier said that the schedule for IPL 2020 will be released by the end of the week</a>, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to get a hang of the fixture list.

According to a report in The Hindu, due to spike in COVID-19 cases in the UAE, there is confusion over the availability of Abu Dhabi and hence, there is a delay in IPL 2020 schedule. Abu Dhabi’s regional authorities have made rapid test mandatory at entry point which will see the broadcast crew and other officials shell out an additional AED 50.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-lookback-list-of-winners-from-2008-to-2019-283765" hreflang="en">IPL Lookback: List of winners from 2008 to 2019!</a>

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) team is in the UAE to make some final checks before locking onto the schedule and the Indian board is looking to find an immediate solution so that everyone is on the same page before the schedule is released. Reportedly, there are even talks of excluding Abu Dhabi as a venue and the latest development suggests the board may restrict the number of matches there.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-chris-gayle-tests-negative-for-covid-19-after-attending-usain-bolts-birthday-bash-322951" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash</a>

“It could be a case of two teams playing home and away games back to back, similar to 2011 ,” said an IPL insider. “As of now, Abu Dhabi could host a few matches only in the first half.”

Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this week, BCCI’s Jay Shah wrote to state units that they won’t be able to attend “at least the beginning” of IPL 2020 due to strict bio-bubble protocols in place. However, the board is confident that during the business end of the tournament, members are likely to travel to the UAE if the travel restrictions are lifted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/due-to-bio-bubble-restrictions-unable-to-invite-you-for-start-of-ipl-jay-shah-to-state-units-323025" hreflang="en">Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units</a>

"While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI. 
&nbsp;

While all the franchises of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19.

While all the franchises of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19. While IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had earlier said that the schedule for IPL 2020 will be released by the end of the week, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to get a hang of the fixture list. According to a report in The Hindu, due to spike in COVID-19 cases in the UAE, there is confusion over the availability of Abu Dhabi and hence, there is a delay in IPL 2020 schedule. Abu Dhabi’s regional authorities have made rapid test mandatory at entry point which will see the broadcast crew and other officials shell out an additional AED 50. IN PICS | IPL Lookback: List of winners from 2008 to 2019! A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) team is in the UAE to make some final checks before locking onto the schedule and the Indian board is looking to find an immediate solution so that everyone is on the same page before the schedule is released. Reportedly, there are even talks of excluding Abu Dhabi as a venue and the latest development suggests the board may restrict the number of matches there. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash “It could be a case of two teams playing home and away games back to back, similar to 2011 ,” said an IPL insider. “As of now, Abu Dhabi could host a few matches only in the first half.” Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this week, BCCI’s Jay Shah wrote to state units that they won’t be able to attend “at least the beginning” of IPL 2020 due to strict bio-bubble protocols in place. However, the board is confident that during the business end of the tournament, members are likely to travel to the UAE if the travel restrictions are lifted. ALSO READ: Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units "While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI.

Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report

Officials of BCCI's state units won't be able to attend "at least the beginning" of the IPL because of the strict bio-bubble in place for the tournament beginning September 19 in the UAE, board secretary Jay Shah informed the member associations on Tuesday.

Shah is confident that by the business end of the tournament, some of the travel restrictions will be relaxed, making it easier for members to travel to the UAE. The IPL final will be played on November 10.

BCCI inviting officials from its state units for the IPL ceremony and play-offs is conventional practice it follows, whether the tournament is held in India or abroad.

"While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI.

"As you are aware, the BCCI invites its former Office Bearers and the Presidents and Secretaries of all its state units to the IPL opening game and league matches as well as for the finals," Shah wrote.

The tournament is taking place in the UAE due to the COVID-19 situation in India and anyone part of the event needs to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the BCCI. At the moment, all teams are undergoing a mandatory six-day quarantine following their arrival last week.

"...Owing to some stringent restrictions on the movement of people and on account of the protocols put in place by us which includes the creation of several bio-secure bubbles to minimize the damage caused by COVID-19, we would not be able to have our annual gathering, at least at the beginning of the tournament," Shah wrote.

"The restriction on physical presence is the best way to avoid contracting and spreading the deadly virus and after a long-fought battle, this is yet another sacrifice that we are forced to make," the board secretary further wrote.

Shah made it clear that if situation improves in November, the members could be invited for the play-offs.

"I am hopeful that till the time we reach the playoff week, we would have more relaxations on travel and interactions, which would allow us to have you all travel to the UAE," Shah assured.

He agreed that IPL is also a forum for discussing all board related matters.

"Over the years, the IPL games have proved to be a fantastic platform for all of us to get together to witness some exhilarating cricket and also to exchange thoughts and ideas about the upcoming season and discuss matters related to the Board.

"However, as we take our first steps towards the resumption of cricket, let me assure you that we are pulling out all stops and making every effort to secure your presence for the crucial playoff stage of the IPL," Shah said.

Shah also thanked the members for pulling through in these tough times.

"Lastly, I wish to apprise you about the fact that we are aware of the difficulties that you are facing in these times and I assure you that all necessary steps would be taken by us in consultation with you, to alleviate those difficulties at the appropriate stage.

"The strength of the BCCI lies in its members and the matters of policy would only be firmed up with your inputs and upon the approval of the General Body," Shah concluded.&nbsp;

Officials of BCCI's state units won't be able to attend "at least the beginning" of the IPL because of the strict bio-bubble in place for the tournament beginning September 19 in the UAE, board secretary Jay Shah informed the member associations on Tuesday.

Officials of BCCI's state units won't be able to attend "at least the beginning" of the IPL because of the strict bio-bubble in place for the tournament beginning September 19 in the UAE, board secretary Jay Shah informed the member associations on Tuesday. Shah is confident that by the business end of the tournament, some of the travel restrictions will be relaxed, making it easier for members to travel to the UAE. The IPL final will be played on November 10. BCCI inviting officials from its state units for the IPL ceremony and play-offs is conventional practice it follows, whether the tournament is held in India or abroad. "While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI. "As you are aware, the BCCI invites its former Office Bearers and the Presidents and Secretaries of all its state units to the IPL opening game and league matches as well as for the finals," Shah wrote. The tournament is taking place in the UAE due to the COVID-19 situation in India and anyone part of the event needs to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the BCCI. At the moment, all teams are undergoing a mandatory six-day quarantine following their arrival last week. "...Owing to some stringent restrictions on the movement of people and on account of the protocols put in place by us which includes the creation of several bio-secure bubbles to minimize the damage caused by COVID-19, we would not be able to have our annual gathering, at least at the beginning of the tournament," Shah wrote. "The restriction on physical presence is the best way to avoid contracting and spreading the deadly virus and after a long-fought battle, this is yet another sacrifice that we are forced to make," the board secretary further wrote. Shah made it clear that if situation improves in November, the members could be invited for the play-offs. "I am hopeful that till the time we reach the playoff week, we would have more relaxations on travel and interactions, which would allow us to have you all travel to the UAE," Shah assured. He agreed that IPL is also a forum for discussing all board related matters. "Over the years, the IPL games have proved to be a fantastic platform for all of us to get together to witness some exhilarating cricket and also to exchange thoughts and ideas about the upcoming season and discuss matters related to the Board. "However, as we take our first steps towards the resumption of cricket, let me assure you that we are pulling out all stops and making every effort to secure your presence for the crucial playoff stage of the IPL," Shah said. Shah also thanked the members for pulling through in these tough times. "Lastly, I wish to apprise you about the fact that we are aware of the difficulties that you are facing in these times and I assure you that all necessary steps would be taken by us in consultation with you, to alleviate those difficulties at the appropriate stage. "The strength of the BCCI lies in its members and the matters of policy would only be firmed up with your inputs and upon the approval of the General Body," Shah concluded.

Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 bound West Indies opener Chris Gayle on Monday tested negative for COVID-19 twice after reportedly attending Usain Bolt’s birthday party in Jamaica. Gayle had to take precautionary steps after Usain Bolt reportedly tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus after celebrating his 34th birthday in what was a mask-free event in Jamaica.

Gayle took to social media platform Instagram to announce that he has been tested negative twice for COVID-19 and now will be gearing up to travel for the much awaited IPL 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE.&nbsp;

"Couple days ago. 1st Covid-19 test.. Before travel I need 2 negative test," Gayle's Instagram story said. In another post, Gayle wrote, "The last one went a bit too far in my nose. Phew. Result was negative."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-ipl-2020-schedule-release-brijesh-patel-spills-the-beans-322827" hreflang="en">When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans</a>

"I'm going to stay home for 2020 not gonna travel again nah sah! Tan a mi yard!! Keep the change! Excuse me!," Gayle added.

Gayle is set to feature for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 and will be looking to help the KL Rahul-led outfit in breaking their trophy drought in the cash-rich tournament. In IPL 2019, the West Indies icon had amassed 368 runs.&nbsp;

Apart from Gayle, Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey were other sporting superstars to have reportedly attended the multiple-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 <a href="https://t.co/ebwJFF5Ka9">pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9</a>
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/1297929980874194945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldinho-released-from-paraguay-after-five-months-of-detention-322946" hreflang="en">Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention</a>

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Jamaica have spiked to more than 60 per day over the last four days and the country now has 1,612 cases with 622 active cases and 16 deaths from the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be held on November 10. The schedule for IPL 2020 is also expected to be released by the end of this week.&nbsp;

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 bound West Indies opener Chris Gayle on Monday tested negative for COVID-19 twice after reportedly attending Usain Bolt’s birthday party in Jamaica.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 bound West Indies opener Chris Gayle on Monday tested negative for COVID-19 twice after reportedly attending Usain Bolt’s birthday party in Jamaica. Gayle had to take precautionary steps after Usain Bolt reportedly tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus after celebrating his 34th birthday in what was a mask-free event in Jamaica. Gayle took to social media platform Instagram to announce that he has been tested negative twice for COVID-19 and now will be gearing up to travel for the much awaited IPL 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE. "Couple days ago. 1st Covid-19 test.. Before travel I need 2 negative test," Gayle's Instagram story said. In another post, Gayle wrote, "The last one went a bit too far in my nose. Phew. Result was negative." ALSO READ: When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans "I'm going to stay home for 2020 not gonna travel again nah sah! Tan a mi yard!! Keep the change! Excuse me!," Gayle added. Gayle is set to feature for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 and will be looking to help the KL Rahul-led outfit in breaking their trophy drought in the cash-rich tournament. In IPL 2019, the West Indies icon had amassed 368 runs. Apart from Gayle, Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey were other sporting superstars to have reportedly attended the multiple-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder. Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9 — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 24, 2020 × ALSO READ: Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention Confirmed coronavirus cases in Jamaica have spiked to more than 60 per day over the last four days and the country now has 1,612 cases with 622 active cases and 16 deaths from the deadly virus. Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be held on November 10. The schedule for IPL 2020 is also expected to be released by the end of this week.

IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash

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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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

Iconic Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the initial phase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to personal reasons and will not be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament will be played from September 19 to November 10.&nbsp;

As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Malinga’s father has been ill and may require a surgery in the coming weeks. The legendary Sri Lankan pacer wants to stay with his father and will be training in Colombo to be ready for IPL in the latter phase of the tournament. Malinga is likely to join the Mumbai Indians camp during the final stages of the tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ponting-warns-ashwin-he-wont-have-mankading-in-delhi-capitals-321872" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals</a>

One of the deadliest bowlers in the game and famous for his yorkers, Malinga famously defended eight runs in the final over of IPL 2020 against Chennai Super Kings as he helped the Mumbai outfit lift a record fourth title. When CSK needed two runs to win on the final delivery, Malinga nailed a yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur to seal a memorable win.

As per the report, Sri Lanka’s strict quarantine protocol forced him to stay in Sri Lanka as he would have to spend 14 days in quarantine if he flew to the UAE and then came back to see his father any point. Malinga is second highest wicket-taker in T20s behind Dwayne Bravo and sits atop the list in IPL with 170 wickets after joining Mumbai Indians in 2009.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-delhi-capitals-sign-anrich-nortje-as-chris-woakes-replacement-321427" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement</a>

However, Mumbai have the likes of Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan to fill the gap left by Malinga’s absence. 
&nbsp;

Iconic Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the initial phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to personal reasons and will not be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament will be played from September 19 to November 10.

Iconic Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the initial phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to personal reasons and will not be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament will be played from September 19 to November 10. As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Malinga’s father has been ill and may require a surgery in the coming weeks. The legendary Sri Lankan pacer wants to stay with his father and will be training in Colombo to be ready for IPL in the latter phase of the tournament. Malinga is likely to join the Mumbai Indians camp during the final stages of the tournament. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals One of the deadliest bowlers in the game and famous for his yorkers, Malinga famously defended eight runs in the final over of IPL 2020 against Chennai Super Kings as he helped the Mumbai outfit lift a record fourth title. When CSK needed two runs to win on the final delivery, Malinga nailed a yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur to seal a memorable win. As per the report, Sri Lanka’s strict quarantine protocol forced him to stay in Sri Lanka as he would have to spend 14 days in quarantine if he flew to the UAE and then came back to see his father any point. Malinga is second highest wicket-taker in T20s behind Dwayne Bravo and sits atop the list in IPL with 170 wickets after joining Mumbai Indians in 2009. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement However, Mumbai have the likes of Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan to fill the gap left by Malinga’s absence.

Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga set to miss first phase of IPL 2020 in UAE

Ricky Ponting has warned Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his Delhi Capitals squad he won't tolerate any "Mankad" run-outs during the Indian Premier League.

The Australian great, who will again coach the team in next month's star-studded tournament, said the controversial tactic might be legal, but it was against the spirit of the game.

All-rounder Ashwin sparked controversy and a worldwide debate last year with his "Mankading" of England batsman Jos Buttler when the spinner was captain of Kings XI Punjab.

He has been hired by Delhi Capitals for next month's IPL in the United Arab Emirates, and Ponting said he will be talking to Ashwin as a priority.

"I'll be having a chat to him about that, that'll be the first thing I do," he told the Grade Cricketer podcast on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It is going to be a hard conversation I'll have to have with him, but I'm pretty sure he'll take it on the chin.

"He will say that it was within the rules and he had his rights to do it, but it's not within the spirit of the game or certainly the way I want the Delhi Capitals to play."

The dismissal was named after India's Vinoo Mankad, who ran out Australia's Bill Brown by removing the bails at the bowler's end during the 1947 Sydney Test.

The mode of dismissal, while legitimate, has been widely considered unsporting.&nbsp;

But opposition to it has been softening recently, particularly in limited-overs cricket, when non-strikers can gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease early.

Ashwin employed the tactic last year, stopping in his delivery stride to whip off the bails while Rajasthan Royals' Buttler was backing up out of his ground.&nbsp;

"If a bowler was to stop and the batsman was a foot out of his crease for instance, just penalise them some runs or something," Ponting said in suggesting an alternative.

"If the umpires make a stance and do something to actually warn the batsman that they might be cheating, then I think that's better than having an ugly incident like a Mankad."

Ricky Ponting has warned Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his Delhi Capitals squad he won't tolerate any "Mankad" run-outs during the Indian Premier League. The Australian great, who will again coach the team in next month's star-studded tournament, said the controversial tactic might be legal, but it was against the spirit of the game.

Ricky Ponting has warned Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his Delhi Capitals squad he won't tolerate any "Mankad" run-outs during the Indian Premier League. The Australian great, who will again coach the team in next month's star-studded tournament, said the controversial tactic might be legal, but it was against the spirit of the game. All-rounder Ashwin sparked controversy and a worldwide debate last year with his "Mankading" of England batsman Jos Buttler when the spinner was captain of Kings XI Punjab. He has been hired by Delhi Capitals for next month's IPL in the United Arab Emirates, and Ponting said he will be talking to Ashwin as a priority. "I'll be having a chat to him about that, that'll be the first thing I do," he told the Grade Cricketer podcast on Wednesday. "It is going to be a hard conversation I'll have to have with him, but I'm pretty sure he'll take it on the chin. "He will say that it was within the rules and he had his rights to do it, but it's not within the spirit of the game or certainly the way I want the Delhi Capitals to play." The dismissal was named after India's Vinoo Mankad, who ran out Australia's Bill Brown by removing the bails at the bowler's end during the 1947 Sydney Test. The mode of dismissal, while legitimate, has been widely considered unsporting. But opposition to it has been softening recently, particularly in limited-overs cricket, when non-strikers can gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease early. Ashwin employed the tactic last year, stopping in his delivery stride to whip off the bails while Rajasthan Royals' Buttler was backing up out of his ground. "If a bowler was to stop and the batsman was a foot out of his crease for instance, just penalise them some runs or something," Ponting said in suggesting an alternative. "If the umpires make a stance and do something to actually warn the batsman that they might be cheating, then I think that's better than having an ugly incident like a Mankad."

IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday officially announced that Dream11 has been awarded the title sponsorship for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, which is scheduled to start from September 19 to November 10 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dream11 comes to the board after the BCCI and Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo parted ways for the 13th edition of IPL. In the statement released by the BCCI, the Indian board clarifies that Dream11 (Sporta Technologies Pvt. Ltd) is an Indian company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Dream11 shelled out INR 222 crore to become the title sponsor of IPL 2020, which is expected to be the most-watch IPL edition. Moreover, Dream11 are associated with six IPL franchises as well. The fantasy gaming platform has also partnered with a total of 19 sports leagues across the world.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-eager-to-host-farewell-match-for-ms-dhoni-321694" hreflang="en">BCCI eager to host farewell match for MS Dhoni</a>

Mr Brijesh Patel, Chairman, IPL, said: “We welcome Dream11 on board as Title Sponsor for the 2020 edition of the IPL. Dream11 upgrading their association from an Official Partner to Title Sponsors is a great testament to the brand IPL. Dream11 as a fantasy sports brand will only grow the engagement of the IPL with its fans. As a digital brand it will give them leverage to create exciting online engagement for fans sitting at home and watching the matches. We look forward to delivering great value to Dream11.”

Mr Harsh Jain, CEO &amp; Co-Founder, Dream Sports (Dream11) said: “The launch of IPL in 2008 gave birth to the idea of Dream11. As avid sports fans, we wanted to offer fantasy cricket to IPL fans to help them further engage with the sport they love and showcase their sports knowledge &amp; skill. Being a proud homegrown Indian brand that is made in India, by Indians and exclusively for Indian sports fans, we would like to thank the BCCI for giving us an opportunity to become the Title Sponsor of IPL, which in our opinion is the world’s greatest sports property.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cpl-2020-rashid-khans-ridiculous-helicopter-flick-takes-social-media-by-storm-watch-321653" hreflang="en">CPL 2020: Rashid Khan's 'ridiculous' helicopter flick takes social media by storm - Watch</a>

“We believe that ‘Dream11 IPL’ also perfectly defines what IPL is all about: every team fielding its Dream11 team culminating in the IPL finals determining The Dream11. We are happy to continue building our partnership with BCCI &amp; IPL to further promote sports fan engagement in India, and look forward to 10 Crore+ Indians making their Dream11 for every Dream11 IPL match.” 
&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday officially announced that Dream11 has been awarded the title sponsorship for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which is scheduled to start from September 19 to November 10 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday officially announced that Dream11 has been awarded the title sponsorship for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which is scheduled to start from September 19 to November 10 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dream11 comes to the board after the BCCI and Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo parted ways for the 13th edition of IPL. In the statement released by the BCCI, the Indian board clarifies that Dream11 (Sporta Technologies Pvt. Ltd) is an Indian company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Dream11 shelled out INR 222 crore to become the title sponsor of IPL 2020, which is expected to be the most-watch IPL edition. Moreover, Dream11 are associated with six IPL franchises as well. The fantasy gaming platform has also partnered with a total of 19 sports leagues across the world. ALSO READ: BCCI eager to host farewell match for MS Dhoni Mr Brijesh Patel, Chairman, IPL, said: “We welcome Dream11 on board as Title Sponsor for the 2020 edition of the IPL. Dream11 upgrading their association from an Official Partner to Title Sponsors is a great testament to the brand IPL. Dream11 as a fantasy sports brand will only grow the engagement of the IPL with its fans. As a digital brand it will give them leverage to create exciting online engagement for fans sitting at home and watching the matches. We look forward to delivering great value to Dream11.” Mr Harsh Jain, CEO & Co-Founder, Dream Sports (Dream11) said: “The launch of IPL in 2008 gave birth to the idea of Dream11. As avid sports fans, we wanted to offer fantasy cricket to IPL fans to help them further engage with the sport they love and showcase their sports knowledge & skill. Being a proud homegrown Indian brand that is made in India, by Indians and exclusively for Indian sports fans, we would like to thank the BCCI for giving us an opportunity to become the Title Sponsor of IPL, which in our opinion is the world’s greatest sports property. ALSO READ: CPL 2020: Rashid Khan's 'ridiculous' helicopter flick takes social media by storm - Watch “We believe that ‘Dream11 IPL’ also perfectly defines what IPL is all about: every team fielding its Dream11 team culminating in the IPL finals determining The Dream11. We are happy to continue building our partnership with BCCI & IPL to further promote sports fan engagement in India, and look forward to 10 Crore+ Indians making their Dream11 for every Dream11 IPL match.”

BCCI announces Dream11 as title sponsor for IPL 2020

With England and Australia confirming the schedule of the upcoming limited-overs series consisting three ODIs and as many T20Is, some of the players from the two sides are set to miss the first week of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to quarantine protocols set by the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI).&nbsp;

The likes of Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins are set to miss the initial week of IPL 2020 due to IPL’s COVID-19 testing protocols whereas the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Phillipe, Kane Richardson, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Hazlewood and Andrew Tye will also miss the first week of IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Whereas Australia’s senior assistant coach Andrew McDonald has been allowed to join Rajasthan Royals, where he is the head coach and will not be with the Australian team during England tour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

The limited-overs series between England and Australia commences from September 4 and will end on September 16 just three days before IPL starts in the UAE.

As per IPL’s SOPs, all players have to undergo COVID-19 test at the airport and after that will need to complete a compulsory seven-day quarantine in their hotel. Following that, every player will be tested three times during the week and can start training if the results come negative.

ALSO READ:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a>

While England have not announced the squad, the likes of Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton, Jason Roy, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow are likely to be named in the squad and therefore will be the first week of IPL. Chris Woakes has already pulled out of IPL 2020.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be played on November 10.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

With England and Australia confirming the schedule of the upcoming limited-overs series consisting three ODIs and as many T20Is, some of the players from the two sides are set to miss the first week of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to quarantine protocols set by the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI).

With England and Australia confirming the schedule of the upcoming limited-overs series consisting three ODIs and as many T20Is, some of the players from the two sides are set to miss the first week of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to quarantine protocols set by the Board of Control from Cricket in India (BCCI). The likes of Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins are set to miss the initial week of IPL 2020 due to IPL’s COVID-19 testing protocols whereas the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Phillipe, Kane Richardson, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Hazlewood and Andrew Tye will also miss the first week of IPL 2020. Whereas Australia’s senior assistant coach Andrew McDonald has been allowed to join Rajasthan Royals, where he is the head coach and will not be with the Australian team during England tour. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The limited-overs series between England and Australia commences from September 4 and will end on September 16 just three days before IPL starts in the UAE. As per IPL’s SOPs, all players have to undergo COVID-19 test at the airport and after that will need to complete a compulsory seven-day quarantine in their hotel. Following that, every player will be tested three times during the week and can start training if the results come negative. ALSO READ:Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson While England have not announced the squad, the likes of Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton, Jason Roy, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow are likely to be named in the squad and therefore will be the first week of IPL. Chris Woakes has already pulled out of IPL 2020. The Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be played on November 10.

From Finch to Maxwell: List of players set to miss first week of IPL 2020

Just as the teams gear up for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and will now quarantine for 14 days. Yagnik will be tested again and will need two negative tests before joining the Rajasthan Royals squad in the UAE.&nbsp;

Yagnik took to social media platform Twitter to confirm the news as he urged everyone, who have been in his contact in the past 10 days, to get themselves tested for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

“Hi all, I hv tested COVID +. Pls get tested if you hv been in contact with me in the last 10 days. In line wd BCCI protocols I will be now quarantining for 14 days. I will then need 2 ngtv tests b4 joining the team @rajasthanroyals in UAE. Thx 4 yr blessings &amp; good wishes!,” Yagnik, who played for Rajasthan Royals in IPL for four seasons in 2011 to 2015, tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hi all, I hv tested COVID +. Pls get tested if you hv been in contact with me in the last 10 days. In line wd BCCI protocols I will be now quarantining for 14 days. I will then need 2 ngtv tests b4 joining the team <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> in UAE. Thx 4 yr blessings &amp; good wishes!
— Dishant Yagnik (@Dishantyagnik77) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dishantyagnik77/status/1293436534553628674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

Rajasthan Royals were quick to respond to the tweet as they wished him a speedy recovery while adding the team is looking forward to seeing him in the UAE soon.

“Wish you a speedy and full recovery, @Dishantyagnik77! Looking forward to seeing you soon in the UAE, putting the boys through their paces,” Rajasthan Royals responded to Yagnik’s tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wish you a speedy and full recovery, <a href="https://twitter.com/Dishantyagnik77?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dishantyagnik77</a>! Looking forward to seeing you soon in the UAE, putting the boys through their paces. <a href="https://t.co/Y9NnBKJpfE">https://t.co/Y9NnBKJpfE</a>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1293437724385402880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dhoni-raina-among-other-csk-players-to-reach-chennai-by-august-15-319774" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15</a>

Rajasthan Royals further confirmed, in a statement, that Dishant will be admitted to a hospital to recover completely while adding he wasn't in close proximity to any IPL or RR players in the last 10 days.&nbsp;

All the players and staff heading to the UAE for IPL 2020 will be tested rigorously in line with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) protocols. While players and staff will be tested before and after flying to the UAE, they are likely to be tested four times in two weeks during the course of the tournament.&nbsp;

The Indian board has created strict SOPs for the IPL, which includes ‘bio-secure bubble’ guidelines, matches behind closed doors, instructions on practice and match days, and protocols for family members, among others.

The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled for November 10. 
&nbsp;

Just as the teams gear up for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and will now quarantine for 14 days.

Just as the teams gear up for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik on Wednesday tested positive for COVID-19 and will now quarantine for 14 days. Yagnik will be tested again and will need two negative tests before joining the Rajasthan Royals squad in the UAE. Yagnik took to social media platform Twitter to confirm the news as he urged everyone, who have been in his contact in the past 10 days, to get themselves tested for the dreaded coronavirus. “Hi all, I hv tested COVID +. Pls get tested if you hv been in contact with me in the last 10 days. In line wd BCCI protocols I will be now quarantining for 14 days. I will then need 2 ngtv tests b4 joining the team @rajasthanroyals in UAE. Thx 4 yr blessings & good wishes!,” Yagnik, who played for Rajasthan Royals in IPL for four seasons in 2011 to 2015, tweeted. Hi all, I hv tested COVID +. Pls get tested if you hv been in contact with me in the last 10 days. In line wd BCCI protocols I will be now quarantining for 14 days. I will then need 2 ngtv tests b4 joining the team @rajasthanroyals in UAE. Thx 4 yr blessings & good wishes! — Dishant Yagnik (@Dishantyagnik77) August 12, 2020 × ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Rajasthan Royals were quick to respond to the tweet as they wished him a speedy recovery while adding the team is looking forward to seeing him in the UAE soon. “Wish you a speedy and full recovery, @Dishantyagnik77! Looking forward to seeing you soon in the UAE, putting the boys through their paces,” Rajasthan Royals responded to Yagnik’s tweet. Wish you a speedy and full recovery, @Dishantyagnik77! Looking forward to seeing you soon in the UAE, putting the boys through their paces. https://t.co/Y9NnBKJpfE — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 12, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dhoni, Raina among other CSK players to reach Chennai by August 15 Rajasthan Royals further confirmed, in a statement, that Dishant will be admitted to a hospital to recover completely while adding he wasn't in close proximity to any IPL or RR players in the last 10 days. All the players and staff heading to the UAE for IPL 2020 will be tested rigorously in line with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) protocols. While players and staff will be tested before and after flying to the UAE, they are likely to be tested four times in two weeks during the course of the tournament. The Indian board has created strict SOPs for the IPL, which includes ‘bio-secure bubble’ guidelines, matches behind closed doors, instructions on practice and match days, and protocols for family members, among others. The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled for November 10.

IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik tests positive for COVID-19

Emirates Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed they have received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th edition of the highly-popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Earlier, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had confirmed that the Indian cricket board has received all the necessary clearance to conduct IPL 2020 in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.&nbsp;

IPL franchises have started preparing for the cash-rich tournament and are expected to leave for the UAE after August 20. The BCCI has issued the Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) to all franchises.

While there’s a bit of a roadblock in relation to the title sponsor of the tournament after Vivo and the BCCI decided to pause the contract for the 13th edition of the tournament. However, a new sponsor is expected to be finalized within the next 10 days.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

The final schedule of IPL 2020 is also yet to be released by the BCCI.

Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board said; “We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle-event of our favourite sport. The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance.

"This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports-fans; here in the UAE, in India and across the world.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/csk-kkr-dc-to-carry-exclusive-net-bowlers-for-ipl-2020-in-uae-319728" hreflang="en">CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE</a>

“The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events – sporting and lifestyle – and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘IPL 2020’ to the UAE.” added Al Nahayan.

Scheduled to be played from September 19th through to November 10th (2020) the IPL will be played across the UAE; Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Emirates Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed they have received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th edition of the highly-popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Emirates Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed they have received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the 13th edition of the highly-popular Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier, IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had confirmed that the Indian cricket board has received all the necessary clearance to conduct IPL 2020 in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. IPL franchises have started preparing for the cash-rich tournament and are expected to leave for the UAE after August 20. The BCCI has issued the Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) to all franchises. While there’s a bit of a roadblock in relation to the title sponsor of the tournament after Vivo and the BCCI decided to pause the contract for the 13th edition of the tournament. However, a new sponsor is expected to be finalized within the next 10 days. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell The final schedule of IPL 2020 is also yet to be released by the BCCI. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board said; “We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle-event of our favourite sport. The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance. "This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports-fans; here in the UAE, in India and across the world. ALSO READ: CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE “The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events – sporting and lifestyle – and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘IPL 2020’ to the UAE.” added Al Nahayan. Scheduled to be played from September 19th through to November 10th (2020) the IPL will be played across the UAE; Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Emirates Cricket Board receives official clearance from BCCI to host IPL 2020

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, #SheldonCottrell talked about his time with the Jamaican Defence Force, time in lockdown, T20 cricket behind closed doors, CPL, #IPL auction, #KingsXIPunjab ’s title ambitions, relationship with KL Rahul, working with Anil Kumble and more.

WION Exclusive: Sheldon Cottrell on IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab and more

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> being moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may prove to be a big chance for at least 50 young talents, who are set to travel with the eight franchises as ‘exclusive’ net bowlers. Three franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals – have confirmed that they are on course to make a roster of net bowlers.

Select cricketers will have the opportunity to bowl to the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer among others for close to a month.&nbsp;

Usually, local bowlers are used at nets apart from junior fringe players, however, with strict implementation of ‘bio-security’ measures for the T20 tournament, the franchises are arranging quality bowlers for net practice sessions.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has limited the squad strength to 24 players.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-invites-tender-for-ipl-sponsorship-for-4-month-period-highest-bid-not-guaranteed-winner-319545" hreflang="en">BCCI invites tender for IPL sponsorship for 4-month period; highest bid not guaranteed winner</a>

"If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain till the tournament starts," Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan told PTI on Tuesday.

The Kolkata Knight Riders have also confirmed that they will take 10 net bowlers, expected to be chosen by their academy coach Abhishek Nayar.&nbsp;

"It will be a blend of players of who have played Ranji Trophy while some of have played U-23 and U-19 national level tournaments," someone who is privy to developments in the KKR camp informed PTI.

The Delhi Capitals are also taking around six net bowlers who will be a part of the team's "bio bubble". "They will be staying with the squad and will travel with the team for the net sessions," a franchise source said. The Rajasthan Royals are also on course to finalise the number of net bowlers they will carry. Royals, as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore, can fly out bowlers from their own respective academies.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

"Someone like former India U-19 Aditya Thackeray could gain a lot if RCB decides to take him for net sessions where he can bowl to a Virat Kohli. Aditya is a part of RCB developmental squad," a senior talent scout of a franchise said. It is expected that there will be a healthy number of spinners in overall net bowlers' list.

"On slow Dubai tracks, it will be important that teams stack up their line-up with more spinners, especially for humid conditions. You will see a lot of left-arm spinners and wrist spinners who have played a decent level cricket being included apart from the pacers," the talent scout said.

(With PTI inputs)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 being moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may prove to be a big chance for at least 50 young talents, who are set to travel with the eight franchises as ‘exclusive’ net bowlers.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 being moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may prove to be a big chance for at least 50 young talents, who are set to travel with the eight franchises as ‘exclusive’ net bowlers. Three franchises – Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals – have confirmed that they are on course to make a roster of net bowlers. Select cricketers will have the opportunity to bowl to the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer among others for close to a month. Usually, local bowlers are used at nets apart from junior fringe players, however, with strict implementation of ‘bio-security’ measures for the T20 tournament, the franchises are arranging quality bowlers for net practice sessions. Meanwhile, the BCCI has limited the squad strength to 24 players. ALSO READ: BCCI invites tender for IPL sponsorship for 4-month period; highest bid not guaranteed winner "If all goes well, we are planning to take around 10 bowlers exclusively to UAE for the practice sessions. They will be accompanying the team and will remain till the tournament starts," Chennai Super Kings CEO Kashi Vishwanathan told PTI on Tuesday. The Kolkata Knight Riders have also confirmed that they will take 10 net bowlers, expected to be chosen by their academy coach Abhishek Nayar. "It will be a blend of players of who have played Ranji Trophy while some of have played U-23 and U-19 national level tournaments," someone who is privy to developments in the KKR camp informed PTI. The Delhi Capitals are also taking around six net bowlers who will be a part of the team's "bio bubble". "They will be staying with the squad and will travel with the team for the net sessions," a franchise source said. The Rajasthan Royals are also on course to finalise the number of net bowlers they will carry. Royals, as well as Royal Challengers Bangalore, can fly out bowlers from their own respective academies. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell "Someone like former India U-19 Aditya Thackeray could gain a lot if RCB decides to take him for net sessions where he can bowl to a Virat Kohli. Aditya is a part of RCB developmental squad," a senior talent scout of a franchise said. It is expected that there will be a healthy number of spinners in overall net bowlers' list. "On slow Dubai tracks, it will be important that teams stack up their line-up with more spinners, especially for humid conditions. You will see a lot of left-arm spinners and wrist spinners who have played a decent level cricket being included apart from the pacers," the talent scout said. (With PTI inputs)

CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-bcci-vivo-suspend-partnership-for-ipl-2020-318604">sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo has been suspended for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. After the deal with Vivo was suspended for the year, BCCI is set to invite fresh tender for title sponsorship for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> and the likes of Coca-Cola India, BYJU’s and Amazon are likely to bid for sponsorship deal for the 13th edition of IPL.&nbsp;

The move to suspend the deal with Vivo came after the BCCI came under severe backlash on social media platforms over retaining Chinese mobile brand as title sponsor for the money spinning T20 tournament, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-bcci-vivo-suspend-partnership-for-ipl-2020-318604" hreflang="en">Official: BCCI-Vivo suspend partnership for IPL 2020</a>

Vivo’s exit was also heavily influenced by the calls to boycott Chinese good after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash as political tensions grew between India and China.&nbsp;

As per reports, Coca-Cola India, BYJU’s and Amazon are ready to bid to become title sponsor for IPL 2020. Notably, Byju’s is already the sponsor for Indian cricket team. Reportedly, BYJU’s has set aside Rs 300 crore for the sponsorship deal. The edtech company is also team sponsor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan being its brand ambassador.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a>

Coca-Cola India insisted that it is committed to remain invested in cricket. “We continue to stay invested in cricket and (are) observing how the situation evolves. We are awaiting more details before making a decision," Coca-Cola said in an emailed reply, as per Livemint.

Vivo had signed a five-year deal with the BCCI as title sponsor for IPL in 2017 and pay around Rs 440 crore per year to the Indian board. The deal is likely to be revived from the next edition of IPL.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that their sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo has been suspended for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that their sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo has been suspended for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. After the deal with Vivo was suspended for the year, BCCI is set to invite fresh tender for title sponsorship for IPL 2020 and the likes of Coca-Cola India, BYJU’s and Amazon are likely to bid for sponsorship deal for the 13th edition of IPL. The move to suspend the deal with Vivo came after the BCCI came under severe backlash on social media platforms over retaining Chinese mobile brand as title sponsor for the money spinning T20 tournament, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. ALSO READ: Official: BCCI-Vivo suspend partnership for IPL 2020 Vivo’s exit was also heavily influenced by the calls to boycott Chinese good after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash as political tensions grew between India and China. As per reports, Coca-Cola India, BYJU’s and Amazon are ready to bid to become title sponsor for IPL 2020. Notably, Byju’s is already the sponsor for Indian cricket team. Reportedly, BYJU’s has set aside Rs 300 crore for the sponsorship deal. The edtech company is also team sponsor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with franchise owner Shah Rukh Khan being its brand ambassador. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson Coca-Cola India insisted that it is committed to remain invested in cricket. “We continue to stay invested in cricket and (are) observing how the situation evolves. We are awaiting more details before making a decision," Coca-Cola said in an emailed reply, as per Livemint. Vivo had signed a five-year deal with the BCCI as title sponsor for IPL in 2017 and pay around Rs 440 crore per year to the Indian board. The deal is likely to be revived from the next edition of IPL.

IPL 2020: After Vivo's exit, BYJU's and Coca-Cola likely to join race for title sponsorship

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that their partnership with Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo, who were the title sponsor, for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> has been suspended for the 13th edition of the tournament.&nbsp;

BCCI released a statement confirming that Vivo will not be the title sponsor for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a>. However, the Indian board didn’t mention whether the deal would be revived in the editions of the tournament.&nbsp;

“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd have decided to suspend their partnership for Indian Premier League in 2020,” BCCI said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-kohli-finch-driven-captains-and-inspirational-players-kane-richardson-318576" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson</a>

Chinese mobile manufacturing giant - Vivo - had a deal of Rs 440 crores for the title sponsorship per year. Or 58 million dollars. However, the deal still exists and has been suspended only for IPL 2020 season. The partnership, in all likelihood, will be revived from next season unless there is a mutual termination.&nbsp;

After the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, there was widespread criticism on social media given the political tensions between India and China. While hashtags like #BoycottIPL started to trend on Twitter, people expressed their displeasure on the micro-blogging platform.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-team-hotels-to-guidelines-for-families-key-takeaways-from-ipl-2020-sops-318437" hreflang="en">From team hotels to guidelines for families - Key takeaways from IPL 2020 SOPs</a>

Since the criticism grew, Vivo decided to take a step back and pull out of IPL for a year, putting a sense of panic in and around the BCCI and all the IPL franchises.

With BCCI looking for new title sponsor, it would be interesting to see who comes forward and become the title sponsor for IPL for a year.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that their partnership with Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo, who were the title sponsor, for Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for the 13th edition of the tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that their partnership with Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo, who were the title sponsor, for Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended for the 13th edition of the tournament. BCCI released a statement confirming that Vivo will not be the title sponsor for IPL 2020. However, the Indian board didn’t mention whether the deal would be revived in the editions of the tournament. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd have decided to suspend their partnership for Indian Premier League in 2020,” BCCI said in a statement. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Kohli, Finch driven captains and inspirational players: Kane Richardson Chinese mobile manufacturing giant - Vivo - had a deal of Rs 440 crores for the title sponsorship per year. Or 58 million dollars. However, the deal still exists and has been suspended only for IPL 2020 season. The partnership, in all likelihood, will be revived from next season unless there is a mutual termination. After the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, there was widespread criticism on social media given the political tensions between India and China. While hashtags like #BoycottIPL started to trend on Twitter, people expressed their displeasure on the micro-blogging platform. ALSO READ: From team hotels to guidelines for families - Key takeaways from IPL 2020 SOPs Since the criticism grew, Vivo decided to take a step back and pull out of IPL for a year, putting a sense of panic in and around the BCCI and all the IPL franchises. With BCCI looking for new title sponsor, it would be interesting to see who comes forward and become the title sponsor for IPL for a year.

Official: BCCI-Vivo suspend partnership for IPL 2020

The Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting which took place on Sunday decided on a certain major things related to the tournament. The IPL 2020 is set to start on September 19 with the final now lined up on November 10 contrary to as earlier proposed on November 8, subject to necessary approval by Indian government.&nbsp;

While the dates are now zeroed in for September 19 to November 10, Women’s IPL or the Challengers Trophy is also set to take place in the UAE, most likely in between the play-offs and the final. .&nbsp;

As learned by WION, IPL 2020 squads will have just 24 players per franchise with back-ups ready, in case someone gets injured. Another major point discussed in the IPL Governing Council meeting was the current sponsors including Chinese companies but the board decided to make no changes to it with franchises and IPL set to oblige to the current contract.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a>&nbsp;

The matches have been pushed forward with IPL 2020 matches set to start at 7:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) against the previous 8:00 IST time. The IPL GC has also zeroed in on the logistics with an announcement regarding the same expected soon from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Also, there will be as many as 10 double headers in the tournament.&nbsp;

Matches will be played behind closed doors with a possibility of reduced crowd later in the tournament. The franchises are set to depart to the UAE on August 27.

There is another meeting scheduled with the franchises after which the final schedule for the tournament could be announced.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>

<h2>Key takeaways from IPL Governing Council meeting:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>IPL 2020 start date: September 19</li>
	<li>IPL 2020 final: 10 November</li>
	<li>Squad strength: 24 per franchises (players)</li>
	<li>Women’s IPL given nod</li>
	<li>7:30 PM IST start time</li>
	<li>10 double headers 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting which took place on Sunday decided on a certain major things related to the tournament. The IPL 2020 is set to start on September 19 with the final now lined up on November 10 contrary to as earlier proposed on November 8, subject to necessary approval by Indian government.

The Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting which took place on Sunday decided on a certain major things related to the tournament. The IPL 2020 is set to start on September 19 with the final now lined up on November 10 contrary to as earlier proposed on November 8, subject to necessary approval by Indian government. While the dates are now zeroed in for September 19 to November 10, Women’s IPL or the Challengers Trophy is also set to take place in the UAE, most likely in between the play-offs and the final. . As learned by WION, IPL 2020 squads will have just 24 players per franchise with back-ups ready, in case someone gets injured. Another major point discussed in the IPL Governing Council meeting was the current sponsors including Chinese companies but the board decided to make no changes to it with franchises and IPL set to oblige to the current contract. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best The matches have been pushed forward with IPL 2020 matches set to start at 7:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) against the previous 8:00 IST time. The IPL GC has also zeroed in on the logistics with an announcement regarding the same expected soon from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Also, there will be as many as 10 double headers in the tournament. Matches will be played behind closed doors with a possibility of reduced crowd later in the tournament. The franchises are set to depart to the UAE on August 27. There is another meeting scheduled with the franchises after which the final schedule for the tournament could be announced. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Key takeaways from IPL Governing Council meeting: IPL 2020 start date: September 19 IPL 2020 final: 10 November Squad strength: 24 per franchises (players) Women’s IPL given nod 7:30 PM IST start time 10 double headers

IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting

Australia are looking to get back to action with the upcoming limited-overs series lined up against England after a prolonged three-months break due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, the biggest challenge for the Australian side will be the Test series against India, scheduled to start in December. While preparations are set to take off in the Australian camp for the England series, all eyes will be on the much-awaited series against India with Australia eyeing redemption following the 2-1 defeat in 2018-19 series.&nbsp;

As Australian cricketers gear up to get back in flow, pacer Josh Hazlewood, in an exclusive interview with WION, spoke about a lot of things ranging from the cricket post-COVID-19, England series, Indian Premier League (IPL) ambitions with Chennai Super Kings, playing under MS Dhoni, the much-talked-about India series, injuries and much more.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn0sImxpYnJhcnlSZXF1ZXN0ZWQiOnRydWV9LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Subhayan Chakraborty: Josh, how has been life for you in these past three months. Things have been pretty difficult for everyone it feels.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Josh Hazlewood: Thank you for having me. Yes, I think it has been different, it has been difficult. We are just doing our business here. We are training four-five days a week in smaller six-eight a person group, enough for couple of net sessions. The weather here has been pretty good for winter. So I have been getting outdoors quite a fair bit. So all’s going well and we are sort of getting whatever comes our way like the tour to the UK next month.&nbsp;

SC: Australia have a tour to England lined up. Have you been following the England versus the West Indies Test series?

Hazlewood: Yes, I have been watching it a little bit. There’s no such sport going on so it is good to have international cricket back. I am sure a lot of eyes have been there on the Test series and now England looking good in the last Test. Everything seems to be going pretty well off the field as well with the isolation and hubs (bio-secure bubble) in the ground. Promising signs for us.&nbsp;

SC: There has been a lot of talks around the Dukes ball moving around for the entire five days in the ongoing Test series. But the Kookaburra is completely different. Brett Lee, in a recent interview with PTI, raised his concerns about the saliva-less Kookaburra. What’s your take on it? Tough on the bowlers?

Hazlewood: I think it is going to take some time to get rid of that habit – shining the ball with saliva. But I think sweat will work pretty well. Obviously, the Kookaburra is not going to do as much as the Dukes be it off the seam or in the air. So it is difficult here in Australia to get wickets. But giving right conditions – maybe the ground staff can leave a bit of grass on the wickets – such as Adelaide or Brisbane can make a difference. But I think we will be okay. We will work out a solution to get that ball nice and shiny and hopefully swinging throughout the innings. But yes, I certainly enjoyed bowling with the Dukes ball in England. It always keeps on doing something and keeps you in the game.&nbsp;

SC: Josh, 51 Tests - 195 wickets, 48 ODIs - 78 wickets and an economy rate of 4.74. What has been your key to success? What does a top bowler need to do to improve every day?&nbsp;

Hazlewood: Firstly, I try to keep my game very simple. It is about hitting the top of the off stump with an occasional bouncer. It’s pretty much down to that. It is a simple plan but to execute that plan is probably the hardest thing. Just because of what the Test wickets are, and how good the batsmen are, so it gives a small margin for error. Especially in Australia, the wickets are usually good for batting. I have always been a line and length bowler; I don’t have express pace like Mitch Starc. So I know my game well and stick to that. Over the years, I have played Test cricket all around the world and it is about learning with each experiences. So the next time you tour there, you improve every time. Hopefully, my bowling will improve as I get older. It has certainly happened in the past in tours, you seem to get better and better.

<img alt="Josh Hazlewood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="784994cc-b715-473e-bf06-7b039db59d39" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JJ9P6.jpg" />

You have to enjoy it as well. Enjoy the challenge of getting wicket of batsmen. You have certain tussles with certain guys. It’s good competitive stuff, good fun.

SC: What has been your toughest battle in your career?

Hazlewood: There’s been a few over the years. Obviously, Pujara couple of summers ago was quite tough work. He had a really good series, and probably was the standout batsmen from both sides so he was really hard work. There’s always that group we talk about – Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Kane Williamson along with Stevie (Smith). That group is always the key wicket for each team. AB de Villiers was always a tough battle, pretty happy he has retired from international cricket (laughs). So different team has different players and it is ultimately about adapting to each team.&nbsp;

SC: Another part of your career has been injuries. You suffered from back stress fracture early in your career and were withdrawn from the 2010 Australia’s Test tour of India. And since then you have missed a couple of series due to it. So I have two points: 1) How have you dealt with back injuries. 2) What will your tips for the younger players and their coaches who can possibly avoid it in the future?

Hazlewood: It’s a tough one the stress fractures. Happens to a lot of fast bowlers. It’s about getting a good natural action with nice rhythm that is easy as possible on your body and suits your style. I have made changes from last 18 months to now. And my action is in a much better position now taking a bit of stress off the back. So the key is to get a nice action which doesn’t put much stress on the lower back.

I think dealing with injuries is tough, mentally tough as well. You know, doing rehabs all alone, missing those games for Australia. I think I have been lucky. I have played 51 Tests as you mentioned and I have missed only six or eight since I started. I have had early troubles before I started Test cricket but I think I have an action to withstand the rigors of Test cricket and it is always evolving and try and get to perfection or as close as you can. For youngsters, it is about realizing that it is going to happen at some stage that you are going to get injured and it is about doing all that hard work off the field, be it in the gym or running, working with the coaches to try and minimize the risk of having a big injury. And keep a positive mindset even if you get injured and try and come back stronger.&nbsp;

<img alt="Josh Hazlewood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1a8928f-226e-46db-820e-083f0a5f4d60" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1K46O4.jpg" />

SC: How are you looking at the upcoming training camp? Perfect way to get back to rhythm and fitness back

Hazlewood: We are doing as much as we can here in Australia. It is winters here now so it is probably tough to go outside every time. We are doing to a lot with the bowling workloads to get ready. Obviously, we will have to complete our quarantine in England before we start playing and I am assuming that will be close to two weeks. If we have a good 20 guys there and play cricket among us to get prepared because we haven’t played cricket in long time. This has been my longest break since I started playing for Australia so I might be a bit rusty and England obviously are playing at the moment. So they have a bit of a leg up on us. So we will try to create an atmosphere as close to a real match as possible. That’s probably the key.

SC: You mentioned about England already playing. I was watching their intra-friendly matches and the likes of Moeen Ali, Tom Banton, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, everyone was smashing it all over the park. So what will be the biggest challenge against this white-ball England team, the world champions?

Hazlewood: England are obviously one of the best sides if not the best, especially at home. It will be a huge challenge for us. One thing as a bowling group, we have talked of taking all 10 wickets rather than building pressure in the middle overs and hoping to keep the runs down. We want to be as attacking as much as we can and taking wickets throughout. And then bowl to the lower order in the last 10-15 overs. That helps in being top of the target. As you mentioned those guys are already playing, so it will be about preparations and get match ready quickly.&nbsp;

<img alt="Josh Hazlewood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31228195-8a73-491a-a376-f6d55d999395" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1BO5QE_0.jpg" />

SC: After the England series is the Indian Premier League (IPL). You will be playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – one of the most successful franchises in the history of IPL. How much are you looking forward to IPL?

Hazlewood: I am pretty excited actually. It’s been a while that I have been in the squad. I haven’t played a game yet but I was with Mumbai Indians squad in IPL 2014. I have been using this time – April and May – for rest, preparing for other Test tours for Australia. And now it is a good opportunity to play some T20 cricket and put my name up in that format of the game, in which I haven’t played too much. As you said, it is the best T20 competition in the world. So looking forward to it and hopefully to do well for CSK.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jostling into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnbuDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnbuDen</a> is Big Josh from Oz, who's already used to wearing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yellove</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperFam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperAuction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/wqaJJEbMpP">pic.twitter.com/wqaJJEbMpP</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1207654890392018944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

WION: Did you follow the auction? Because Pat Cummins was over the moon after it. How were you feeling after CSK got you?

Hazlewood: I was ecstatic to be picked up by CSK. Pat was obviously different, and he is pretty excited to be out there and do well for Kolkata. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last five years but I am happy CSK gave me an opportunity and hopefully, I can reward them.

WION: And are you looking forward to playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni?

Hazlewood: Again, I am excited! I think he is a pretty similar player to me – very relaxed and calm – and that’s how I play my best cricket, that’s when I enjoy my cricket. Hopefully, we are a good match.&nbsp;

<img alt="Josh Hazlewood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afc88839-7170-49ad-8835-9d463dff7b7d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pjimage_2.jpg" />

SC: You haven’t played much T20 tournaments in last few years but you have good numbers in whatever matches you have played for Sydney Sixers in Big Bash League. So how are you looking to crack the IPL? Bringing something special in your armory?

Hazlewood: I am always working on different deliveries, different change-ups and slower balls. Hopefully in the next couple of months, I can work on settling in and deliver in the IPL. Under a lot of pressure but it is always good to try things.&nbsp;

SC: After IPL, the biggest task for Australia will be the India series. The entire world has its eyes on that series. So what do you think will be the biggest challenge for Australia, particularly against the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara?

Hazlewood: Obviously we have got Steve (Smith) and David (Warner) back and Marnus (Labuschagne) has come leaps and bounds. The bowling attack is similar to what it was but it is the batting which now has a lot more depth and experiences from the last time India toured. India’s bowling attack got us last time and that is what we don’t like to happen on our home soil. So we want to get India in that department. But as you said, everyone is going to watch this series. It has almost reach the point where it has reached point like the Ashes now. It is a huge series for both teams and we need to give a payback to India after last time.&nbsp;

SC: Any specific plan for Cheteshwar Pujara this time?

Hazlewood: (Laughs) Nothing yet. We need to have a few team meetings, bowlers meeting to come up with something. Because obviously, he is a key along with Virat and a few other guys. But if you focus too much on a player then others can hurt you. So the top 6 is always important.&nbsp;

<img alt="Josh Hazlewood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30f914c9-499b-4133-bb94-4782dcd54daf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JP61J.jpg" />

SC: And how big will the pink ball Test in Adelaide?

Hazlewood: That’s probably huge for us the pink ball Test. We obviously play a lot more Test in Adelaide. We have got some good experience with the pink ball. That’s probably a big positive for us. But again you have to play good cricket. And we are playing in Brisbane as well. We love playing there. So we have got a few things going are way already. It is about executing on the day as well. Things can move pretty quickly in pink ball Test and India have a great pace attack as well. It’s going to be good fun.&nbsp;

SC: Coming to the pace attacks of both the teams, how do you compare and differentiate these two pace line-ups?

Hazlewood: I think both teams have pretty good depth. We have our three guys who play most of the Tests and then James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Michael Nesser, Jhye Richardson. We have good depth there, same as India. The variety in both the sides is pretty good, to be honest. Jasprit Bumrah is different to Ishant Sharma and vice-versa. It is a top attack and our batters would want to get their hands up against that attack, which didn’t happen last time (laughs). Hopefully, we will keep them out there for long and wear them down.&nbsp;

SC: Do you think it is important to evolve with time and learn new craft such as wobble seam, reverse swing or say knuckle ball in T20s?

Hazlewood: Conditions play a big part. If one place is swinging more then it is about is about controlling that swing but if it is not swinging but seaming then it becomes an entire different story. So that happens over time by playing in different grounds in different conditions. Calling that arsenal and bring it on and perform in each and every game. International cricket is a tough game. As you said, it is about evolving with time and improving.&nbsp;

<img alt="Josh Hazlewood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f53ef0ad-498c-40f1-87bc-a783d736215f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JJ97R_0.jpg" />

SC: What will be your combined India-Australia Test XI?

Hazlewood: Starting from quicks, I will have myself in (laughs) with Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah. In Australian conditions, I will have Nathan Lyon and in Indian conditions, Ravichandran Ashwin. Openers would be Mayank Agarwal – taking future in consideration – and David Warner. Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are automatic picks at three, four and five. At no. six…I will have Marnus Labuschagne or Rohit Sharma given their ability to change the game.&nbsp;

Josh Hazlewood’s India-Australia combined Test XI: Mayank Agarwal, David Warner, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Marnus Labuschagne/Rohit Sharma, Tim Paine (wk), Nathan Lyon/Ravichandran Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah.

SC: What will be you message for fans who are supporting the Sport from home?

Hazlewood: Hopefully, we can get some crowd, maybe in the IPL or definitely in India series here in Australia. Football is getting 30,000 audience here in Perth. So I guess there’s a possibility of getting a good crowd in. Obviously, great atmosphere with Indian fans, they a make a lot of noise and they love cricket. And if they are watching it from their couches, then I hope we play some really entertaining cricket for them and hopefully they will enjoy it.

Australia are looking to get back to action with the upcoming limited-overs series lined up against England after a prolonged three-months break due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia are looking to get back to action with the upcoming limited-overs series lined up against England after a prolonged three-months break due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, the biggest challenge for the Australian side will be the Test series against India, scheduled to start in December. While preparations are set to take off in the Australian camp for the England series, all eyes will be on the much-awaited series against India with Australia eyeing redemption following the 2-1 defeat in 2018-19 series. As Australian cricketers gear up to get back in flow, pacer Josh Hazlewood, in an exclusive interview with WION, spoke about a lot of things ranging from the cricket post-COVID-19, England series, Indian Premier League (IPL) ambitions with Chennai Super Kings, playing under MS Dhoni, the much-talked-about India series, injuries and much more. × Subhayan Chakraborty: Josh, how has been life for you in these past three months. Things have been pretty difficult for everyone it feels. Josh Hazlewood: Thank you for having me. Yes, I think it has been different, it has been difficult. We are just doing our business here. We are training four-five days a week in smaller six-eight a person group, enough for couple of net sessions. The weather here has been pretty good for winter. So I have been getting outdoors quite a fair bit. So all’s going well and we are sort of getting whatever comes our way like the tour to the UK next month. SC: Australia have a tour to England lined up. Have you been following the England versus the West Indies Test series? Hazlewood: Yes, I have been watching it a little bit. There’s no such sport going on so it is good to have international cricket back. I am sure a lot of eyes have been there on the Test series and now England looking good in the last Test. Everything seems to be going pretty well off the field as well with the isolation and hubs (bio-secure bubble) in the ground. Promising signs for us. SC: There has been a lot of talks around the Dukes ball moving around for the entire five days in the ongoing Test series. But the Kookaburra is completely different. Brett Lee, in a recent interview with PTI, raised his concerns about the saliva-less Kookaburra. What’s your take on it? Tough on the bowlers? Hazlewood: I think it is going to take some time to get rid of that habit – shining the ball with saliva. But I think sweat will work pretty well. Obviously, the Kookaburra is not going to do as much as the Dukes be it off the seam or in the air. So it is difficult here in Australia to get wickets. But giving right conditions – maybe the ground staff can leave a bit of grass on the wickets – such as Adelaide or Brisbane can make a difference. But I think we will be okay. We will work out a solution to get that ball nice and shiny and hopefully swinging throughout the innings. But yes, I certainly enjoyed bowling with the Dukes ball in England. It always keeps on doing something and keeps you in the game. SC: Josh, 51 Tests - 195 wickets, 48 ODIs - 78 wickets and an economy rate of 4.74. What has been your key to success? What does a top bowler need to do to improve every day? Hazlewood: Firstly, I try to keep my game very simple. It is about hitting the top of the off stump with an occasional bouncer. It’s pretty much down to that. It is a simple plan but to execute that plan is probably the hardest thing. Just because of what the Test wickets are, and how good the batsmen are, so it gives a small margin for error. Especially in Australia, the wickets are usually good for batting. I have always been a line and length bowler; I don’t have express pace like Mitch Starc. So I know my game well and stick to that. Over the years, I have played Test cricket all around the world and it is about learning with each experiences. So the next time you tour there, you improve every time. Hopefully, my bowling will improve as I get older. It has certainly happened in the past in tours, you seem to get better and better. You have to enjoy it as well. Enjoy the challenge of getting wicket of batsmen. You have certain tussles with certain guys. It’s good competitive stuff, good fun. SC: What has been your toughest battle in your career? Hazlewood: There’s been a few over the years. Obviously, Pujara couple of summers ago was quite tough work. He had a really good series, and probably was the standout batsmen from both sides so he was really hard work. There’s always that group we talk about – Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Kane Williamson along with Stevie (Smith). That group is always the key wicket for each team. AB de Villiers was always a tough battle, pretty happy he has retired from international cricket (laughs). So different team has different players and it is ultimately about adapting to each team. SC: Another part of your career has been injuries. You suffered from back stress fracture early in your career and were withdrawn from the 2010 Australia’s Test tour of India. And since then you have missed a couple of series due to it. So I have two points: 1) How have you dealt with back injuries. 2) What will your tips for the younger players and their coaches who can possibly avoid it in the future? Hazlewood: It’s a tough one the stress fractures. Happens to a lot of fast bowlers. It’s about getting a good natural action with nice rhythm that is easy as possible on your body and suits your style. I have made changes from last 18 months to now. And my action is in a much better position now taking a bit of stress off the back. So the key is to get a nice action which doesn’t put much stress on the lower back. I think dealing with injuries is tough, mentally tough as well. You know, doing rehabs all alone, missing those games for Australia. I think I have been lucky. I have played 51 Tests as you mentioned and I have missed only six or eight since I started. I have had early troubles before I started Test cricket but I think I have an action to withstand the rigors of Test cricket and it is always evolving and try and get to perfection or as close as you can. For youngsters, it is about realizing that it is going to happen at some stage that you are going to get injured and it is about doing all that hard work off the field, be it in the gym or running, working with the coaches to try and minimize the risk of having a big injury. And keep a positive mindset even if you get injured and try and come back stronger. SC: How are you looking at the upcoming training camp? Perfect way to get back to rhythm and fitness back Hazlewood: We are doing as much as we can here in Australia. It is winters here now so it is probably tough to go outside every time. We are doing to a lot with the bowling workloads to get ready. Obviously, we will have to complete our quarantine in England before we start playing and I am assuming that will be close to two weeks. If we have a good 20 guys there and play cricket among us to get prepared because we haven’t played cricket in long time. This has been my longest break since I started playing for Australia so I might be a bit rusty and England obviously are playing at the moment. So they have a bit of a leg up on us. So we will try to create an atmosphere as close to a real match as possible. That’s probably the key. SC: You mentioned about England already playing. I was watching their intra-friendly matches and the likes of Moeen Ali, Tom Banton, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, everyone was smashing it all over the park. So what will be the biggest challenge against this white-ball England team, the world champions? Hazlewood: England are obviously one of the best sides if not the best, especially at home. It will be a huge challenge for us. One thing as a bowling group, we have talked of taking all 10 wickets rather than building pressure in the middle overs and hoping to keep the runs down. We want to be as attacking as much as we can and taking wickets throughout. And then bowl to the lower order in the last 10-15 overs. That helps in being top of the target. As you mentioned those guys are already playing, so it will be about preparations and get match ready quickly. SC: After the England series is the Indian Premier League (IPL). You will be playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – one of the most successful franchises in the history of IPL. How much are you looking forward to IPL? Hazlewood: I am pretty excited actually. It’s been a while that I have been in the squad. I haven’t played a game yet but I was with Mumbai Indians squad in IPL 2014. I have been using this time – April and May – for rest, preparing for other Test tours for Australia. And now it is a good opportunity to play some T20 cricket and put my name up in that format of the game, in which I haven’t played too much. As you said, it is the best T20 competition in the world. So looking forward to it and hopefully to do well for CSK. Jostling into the #AnbuDen is Big Josh from Oz, who's already used to wearing the #yellove! #SuperFam #SuperAuction #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/wqaJJEbMpP — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 19, 2019 × WION: Did you follow the auction? Because Pat Cummins was over the moon after it. How were you feeling after CSK got you? Hazlewood: I was ecstatic to be picked up by CSK. Pat was obviously different, and he is pretty excited to be out there and do well for Kolkata. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last five years but I am happy CSK gave me an opportunity and hopefully, I can reward them. WION: And are you looking forward to playing under the leadership of MS Dhoni? Hazlewood: Again, I am excited! I think he is a pretty similar player to me – very relaxed and calm – and that’s how I play my best cricket, that’s when I enjoy my cricket. Hopefully, we are a good match. SC: You haven’t played much T20 tournaments in last few years but you have good numbers in whatever matches you have played for Sydney Sixers in Big Bash League. So how are you looking to crack the IPL? Bringing something special in your armory? Hazlewood: I am always working on different deliveries, different change-ups and slower balls. Hopefully in the next couple of months, I can work on settling in and deliver in the IPL. Under a lot of pressure but it is always good to try things. SC: After IPL, the biggest task for Australia will be the India series. The entire world has its eyes on that series. So what do you think will be the biggest challenge for Australia, particularly against the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara? Hazlewood: Obviously we have got Steve (Smith) and David (Warner) back and Marnus (Labuschagne) has come leaps and bounds. The bowling attack is similar to what it was but it is the batting which now has a lot more depth and experiences from the last time India toured. India’s bowling attack got us last time and that is what we don’t like to happen on our home soil. So we want to get India in that department. But as you said, everyone is going to watch this series. It has almost reach the point where it has reached point like the Ashes now. It is a huge series for both teams and we need to give a payback to India after last time. SC: Any specific plan for Cheteshwar Pujara this time? Hazlewood: (Laughs) Nothing yet. We need to have a few team meetings, bowlers meeting to come up with something. Because obviously, he is a key along with Virat and a few other guys. But if you focus too much on a player then others can hurt you. So the top 6 is always important. SC: And how big will the pink ball Test in Adelaide? Hazlewood: That’s probably huge for us the pink ball Test. We obviously play a lot more Test in Adelaide. We have got some good experience with the pink ball. That’s probably a big positive for us. But again you have to play good cricket. And we are playing in Brisbane as well. We love playing there. So we have got a few things going are way already. It is about executing on the day as well. Things can move pretty quickly in pink ball Test and India have a great pace attack as well. It’s going to be good fun. SC: Coming to the pace attacks of both the teams, how do you compare and differentiate these two pace line-ups? Hazlewood: I think both teams have pretty good depth. We have our three guys who play most of the Tests and then James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Michael Nesser, Jhye Richardson. We have good depth there, same as India. The variety in both the sides is pretty good, to be honest. Jasprit Bumrah is different to Ishant Sharma and vice-versa. It is a top attack and our batters would want to get their hands up against that attack, which didn’t happen last time (laughs). Hopefully, we will keep them out there for long and wear them down. SC: Do you think it is important to evolve with time and learn new craft such as wobble seam, reverse swing or say knuckle ball in T20s? Hazlewood: Conditions play a big part. If one place is swinging more then it is about is about controlling that swing but if it is not swinging but seaming then it becomes an entire different story. So that happens over time by playing in different grounds in different conditions. Calling that arsenal and bring it on and perform in each and every game. International cricket is a tough game. As you said, it is about evolving with time and improving. SC: What will be your combined India-Australia Test XI? Hazlewood: Starting from quicks, I will have myself in (laughs) with Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah. In Australian conditions, I will have Nathan Lyon and in Indian conditions, Ravichandran Ashwin. Openers would be Mayank Agarwal – taking future in consideration – and David Warner. Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are automatic picks at three, four and five. At no. six…I will have Marnus Labuschagne or Rohit Sharma given their ability to change the game. Josh Hazlewood’s India-Australia combined Test XI: Mayank Agarwal, David Warner, Steve Smith, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Marnus Labuschagne/Rohit Sharma, Tim Paine (wk), Nathan Lyon/Ravichandran Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Jasprit Bumrah. SC: What will be you message for fans who are supporting the Sport from home? Hazlewood: Hopefully, we can get some crowd, maybe in the IPL or definitely in India series here in Australia. Football is getting 30,000 audience here in Perth. So I guess there’s a possibility of getting a good crowd in. Obviously, great atmosphere with Indian fans, they a make a lot of noise and they love cricket. And if they are watching it from their couches, then I hope we play some really entertaining cricket for them and hopefully they will enjoy it.

EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more

Biju George, the coach of Sanju Samson believes that the right-handed batsman will have a golden chance to cement his place in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad if he performs well in the two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">IPL</a>s which will be played in a span of seven months.Samson was just 11-years-old when he started training under coach Biju George in Thiruvananthapuram.

At that time, George was a cricket coach at the Sports Authority of India`s cricket training centre. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> is slated to start from September 19 in the UAE, while next year, the tournament is likely to be played in its normal window (March-May).

The T20 World Cup slated to be played this year in Australia has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and now it will go ahead next year either in India or Australia.

"Yes absolutely, I think it is a golden chance for him to make his place in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad. If you look at his white-ball career, he has been consistent at it and I am sure he will perform, he has been consistent ever since he made his debut in IPL," George told ANI while talking about Samson`s chances to make it to the T20 World Cup squad.

"I do not think Samson will have any pressure on him when he goes in to play the IPL. This year, he has put in the maximum preparation, I have never seen him more focused, he was even working out when we were in lockdown in Trivandrum," he added.

The 25-year-old will be representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL this year.Samson has so far played 93 matches in the IPL, managing to score 1,696 runs at an average of 27.61 with his highest score being 102 not out. The batsman has been a part of India`s T20I squad for the past six months, but the player did not find many chances to feature in the playing XI.

Since then, Samson`s exclusion from the playing XI has been a subject of severe criticism. Firstly, Rishabh Pant was getting the nod in front of Samson, and later KL Rahul started performing well to feature permanently as the first-choice wicket-keeper in the white-ball format.

However, George believes that every cricketer in the Indian dressing room might be worried as Samson has a knack of producing quality innings in the IPL. "Every cricketer in the Indian dressing room knows that IPL is where Sanju Samson comes to play, comes to the party actually.

He plays some outstandings knocks in this tournament," George said."Rishabh Pant is a left-hander as compared to KL Rahul and Sanju Samson so he might be getting the nod because of this reason. But nowadays, you do not care whether you are a left-hander or right-hander," he added.

Samson has so far played 4 T20Is for India, in which he has registered 35 runs.The batsman was last seen in action in a T20I match against New Zealand earlier this year.&nbsp;

Biju George, the coach of Sanju Samson believes that the right-handed batsman will have a golden chance to cement his place in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad if he performs well in the two IPLs which will be played in a span of seven months.

Biju George, the coach of Sanju Samson believes that the right-handed batsman will have a golden chance to cement his place in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad if he performs well in the two IPLs which will be played in a span of seven months.Samson was just 11-years-old when he started training under coach Biju George in Thiruvananthapuram. At that time, George was a cricket coach at the Sports Authority of India`s cricket training centre. The IPL 2020 is slated to start from September 19 in the UAE, while next year, the tournament is likely to be played in its normal window (March-May). The T20 World Cup slated to be played this year in Australia has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and now it will go ahead next year either in India or Australia. "Yes absolutely, I think it is a golden chance for him to make his place in the T20 World Cup 2021 squad. If you look at his white-ball career, he has been consistent at it and I am sure he will perform, he has been consistent ever since he made his debut in IPL," George told ANI while talking about Samson`s chances to make it to the T20 World Cup squad. "I do not think Samson will have any pressure on him when he goes in to play the IPL. This year, he has put in the maximum preparation, I have never seen him more focused, he was even working out when we were in lockdown in Trivandrum," he added. The 25-year-old will be representing Rajasthan Royals in the IPL this year.Samson has so far played 93 matches in the IPL, managing to score 1,696 runs at an average of 27.61 with his highest score being 102 not out. The batsman has been a part of India`s T20I squad for the past six months, but the player did not find many chances to feature in the playing XI. Since then, Samson`s exclusion from the playing XI has been a subject of severe criticism. Firstly, Rishabh Pant was getting the nod in front of Samson, and later KL Rahul started performing well to feature permanently as the first-choice wicket-keeper in the white-ball format. However, George believes that every cricketer in the Indian dressing room might be worried as Samson has a knack of producing quality innings in the IPL. "Every cricketer in the Indian dressing room knows that IPL is where Sanju Samson comes to play, comes to the party actually. He plays some outstandings knocks in this tournament," George said."Rishabh Pant is a left-hander as compared to KL Rahul and Sanju Samson so he might be getting the nod because of this reason. But nowadays, you do not care whether you are a left-hander or right-hander," he added. Samson has so far played 4 T20Is for India, in which he has registered 35 runs.The batsman was last seen in action in a T20I match against New Zealand earlier this year.

Samson will definitely perform in IPL, have never seen him more focused: Coach Biju George

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roped in the ever-reliable Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for $0.28 million (INR 2 crore) to bolster their pace attack. Although Hazlewood hasn’t played that much of T20 cricket in recent past, the Australian quick has been successful whenever he has turned out for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League and for Australia in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;

Hazlewood, in an exclusive interview with WION, said he is excited to don the CSK yellow and help the team win more trophies while playing under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Hazlewood was a part of Mumbai Indians squad in 2014 but didn’t get a game under his belt. However, the 29-year-old is now determined to make a mark in T20 format of the game while playing in arguably the best T20 tournament in the world.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly92b2Rha20uemVlbmV3cy5jb20vdm9kL0pvc2hfSGF6bGV3b29kLm1wNC9pbmRleC5tM3U4Iiwic2hhcmVMaW5rIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2lvbmV3cy5jb20vdmlkZW9zL3dpb24tZXhjbHVzaXZlLWF1c3RyYWxpYXMtam9zaC1oYXpsZXdvb2Qtb24taXBsLTIwMjAtY3NrLWFuZC1tcy1kaG9uaS1hbmQtaW5kaWEtc2VyaWVzLTMxNjUwMSIsInBsdWdpbnMiOnsiZ29vZ2xlQW5hbHl0aWNzIjp7InRyYWNraW5nSWQiOiJVQS03ODQwMDgwOC0xIiwiZXZlbnRzIjp7IlBMQVlJTkdfU1RBUlQiOnsiYWxpYXMiOiJWaWRlbyBQbGF5IiwiY2F0ZWdvcnkiOiJBbnZhdG8gUGxheWVyIiwibGFiZWwiOiJBbnZhbnRvIFZpZGVvIFBsYXlpbmciLCJtZXRyaWMiOiIxIn0sIkJVRkZFUl9TVEFSVCI6eyJhbGlhcyI6IlZpZGVvIEJ1ZmZlciIsImNhdGVnb3J5IjoiQW52YXRvIFBsYXllciIsImxhYmVsIjoiQW52YW50byBWaWRlbyBCdWZmZXIgc3RhcnRzIiwibWV0cmljIjoiMiJ9LCJWSURFT19DT01QTEVURUQiOnsiYWxpYXMiOiJWaWRlbyBDb21wbGV0ZSIsImNhdGVnb3J5IjoiQW52YXRvIFBsYXllciIsImxhYmVsIjoiQW52YW50byBWaWRlbyBDb21wbGV0ZWQiLCJtZXRyaWMiOiI0In0sIkFEX0JSRUFLX1NUQVJURUQiOnsiYWxpYXMiOiJWaWRlbyBBZHZ0IEJyZWFrIiwiY2F0ZWdvcnkiOiJBbnZhdG8gUGxheWVyIn19fSwiZGZwIjp7ImNsaWVudFNpZGUiOnsiYWRUYWdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3B1YmFkcy5nLmRvdWJsZWNsaWNrLm5ldC9nYW1wYWQvbGl2ZS9hZHM%2FaXU9LzExNDQwNDY1L1dpb25ld3NfVmlkZW8vV2lvbmV3c19QcmVyb2xsJmRlc2NyaXB0aW9uX3VybD1bcGxhY2Vob2xkZXJdJmVudj12cCZpbXBsPXMmY29ycmVsYXRvcj0mdGZjZD0wJm5wYT0wJmdkZnBfcmVxPTEmb3V0cHV0PXZhc3Qmc3o9NjQweDQ4MCZ1bnZpZXdlZF9wb3NpdGlvbl9zdGFydD0xIn0sImxpYnJhcnlSZXF1ZXN0ZWQiOnRydWV9LCJoZWFsdGhBbmFseXRpY3MiOnt9fSwiaHRtbDUiOnRydWV9" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

“I am pretty excited actually. It’s been a while that I have been in the squad. I haven’t played a game yet but I was with Mumbai Indians squad in IPL 2014. I have been using this time – April and May – for rest, preparing for other Test tours for Australia. And now it is a good opportunity to play some T20 cricket and put my name up in that format of the game, in which I haven’t played too much. It is the best T20 competition in the world. So looking forward to it and hopefully to do well for CSK,” Hazlewood told WION.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469">FULL INTERVIEW |&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jostling into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnbuDen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AnbuDen</a> is Big Josh from Oz, who's already used to wearing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yellove</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperFam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperFam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperAuction</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/wqaJJEbMpP">pic.twitter.com/wqaJJEbMpP</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1207654890392018944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Hazlewood, who has 26 wickets in 19 BBL matches for the Sydney Sixers at an impressive strike-rate of 16.4, is now looking at conquering the biggest and most glamourous T20 tournament in the world. Lovingly called Hoff by his teammates, Hazlewood said he is happy that CSK gave him an opportunity and is now looking forward to reward them in IPL 2020. The Aussie quick added that he was ecstatic to be picked by one of the most successful and followed franchise in the world.&nbsp;

“I was ecstatic to be picked up by CSK. Pat was obviously different, and he is pretty excited to be out there and do well for Kolkata. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last five years but I am happy CSK gave me an opportunity and hopefully, I can reward them,” Hazlewood said.&nbsp;

Fans are eagerly waiting to see ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni take the field once again in IPL and Hazlewood said he excited to play under Dhoni’s leadership while adding that they both are pretty similar in terms of being calm under pressure.&nbsp;

“Again, I am excited! I think he is a pretty similar player to me – very relaxed and calm – and that’s how I play my best cricket, that’s when I enjoy my cricket. Hopefully, we are a good match,” Hazlewood said.

Although Hazlewood has cemented his legacy as one of the finest red ball bowlers for Australia, many still underrate him in limited-overs format. When asked about how crucial is it for bowlers to work on their variations when it comes to playing the T20 brand of cricket, Hazlewood said that he always looks to improve and develop different kind of deliveries and change-ups while adding he is ready to deliver in the IPL and fulfill the trust shown by the franchise.&nbsp;

“I am always working on different deliveries, different change-ups and slower balls. Hopefully in the next couple of months, I can work on settling in and deliver in the IPL. Under a lot of pressure but it is always good to try things,” said Hazlewood concluded.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League is set to be staged in the UAE with the tournament all set to start from September 19. &nbsp;

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roped in the ever-reliable Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for $0.28 million (INR 2 crore) to bolster their pace attack.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) roped in the ever-reliable Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for $0.28 million (INR 2 crore) to bolster their pace attack. Although Hazlewood hasn’t played that much of T20 cricket in recent past, the Australian quick has been successful whenever he has turned out for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League and for Australia in the shortest format of the game. Hazlewood, in an exclusive interview with WION, said he is excited to don the CSK yellow and help the team win more trophies while playing under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. Hazlewood was a part of Mumbai Indians squad in 2014 but didn’t get a game under his belt. However, the 29-year-old is now determined to make a mark in T20 format of the game while playing in arguably the best T20 tournament in the world. × “I am pretty excited actually. It’s been a while that I have been in the squad. I haven’t played a game yet but I was with Mumbai Indians squad in IPL 2014. I have been using this time – April and May – for rest, preparing for other Test tours for Australia. And now it is a good opportunity to play some T20 cricket and put my name up in that format of the game, in which I haven’t played too much. It is the best T20 competition in the world. So looking forward to it and hopefully to do well for CSK,” Hazlewood told WION. FULL INTERVIEW | Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Jostling into the #AnbuDen is Big Josh from Oz, who's already used to wearing the #yellove! #SuperFam #SuperAuction #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/wqaJJEbMpP — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 19, 2019 × Hazlewood, who has 26 wickets in 19 BBL matches for the Sydney Sixers at an impressive strike-rate of 16.4, is now looking at conquering the biggest and most glamourous T20 tournament in the world. Lovingly called Hoff by his teammates, Hazlewood said he is happy that CSK gave him an opportunity and is now looking forward to reward them in IPL 2020. The Aussie quick added that he was ecstatic to be picked by one of the most successful and followed franchise in the world. “I was ecstatic to be picked up by CSK. Pat was obviously different, and he is pretty excited to be out there and do well for Kolkata. I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket in the last five years but I am happy CSK gave me an opportunity and hopefully, I can reward them,” Hazlewood said. Fans are eagerly waiting to see ‘Captain Cool’ MS Dhoni take the field once again in IPL and Hazlewood said he excited to play under Dhoni’s leadership while adding that they both are pretty similar in terms of being calm under pressure. “Again, I am excited! I think he is a pretty similar player to me – very relaxed and calm – and that’s how I play my best cricket, that’s when I enjoy my cricket. Hopefully, we are a good match,” Hazlewood said. Although Hazlewood has cemented his legacy as one of the finest red ball bowlers for Australia, many still underrate him in limited-overs format. When asked about how crucial is it for bowlers to work on their variations when it comes to playing the T20 brand of cricket, Hazlewood said that he always looks to improve and develop different kind of deliveries and change-ups while adding he is ready to deliver in the IPL and fulfill the trust shown by the franchise. “I am always working on different deliveries, different change-ups and slower balls. Hopefully in the next couple of months, I can work on settling in and deliver in the IPL. Under a lot of pressure but it is always good to try things,” said Hazlewood concluded. Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League is set to be staged in the UAE with the tournament all set to start from September 19.

Exclusive | Excited to play for CSK and under MS Dhoni: Josh Hazlewood

The BCCI is likely to hand over a comprehensive Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) to the eight franchises for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">IPL</a> in the UAE but there are a few pressing questions that all the stakeholders need to figure out in the coming days.

While it is expected that most of the franchises will be starting to send their recce teams to the UAE to check out the facilities as well as what kind of bio-secure environments that can be created.

Some of the franchises have questions which probably BCCI will need to answer in their SOPs.

<h2>Regarding players' families</h2>

This is a tricky issue that will totally depend on what BCCI states in its SOPs. A senior franchise official said that it will be "criminal" to keep players away from their partners and families for two months and that too in a sanitised environment where there will be least social contact during the course of the tournament.

"During normal times, the wives and girlfriends, at times families join the players during a specified time but this is completely different scenario. If families travel, can they be confined to rooms without being able to move around normally?" an official asked.

"There will be players who have kids aged between 3 to 5 and how do you keep them in a room for two months," he added.

<h2>Will smaller boutique hotels or resorts work better?</h2>

While top cricket teams are used to staying in five-star facilities but it is a difficult proposition to just rent out multiple five star hotels just for the team where other visitors won't be allowed.

A senior BCCI official, who was an integral part of 2014 IPL in Dubai, feels that in the desert city, even three-star boutique hotels are as good as five star and there are resorts which are easier to be rented out completely.

"Look every franchise won't be able to match up to say Mumbai Indians, who will undoubtedly have the best set-up in these trying times. They have private jets, can even take doctors from their super speciality hospital, rent out a five-star hotel. Others need to check out what's best for them. May be a beach resort," the official said.

He gave a logic of having resorts with separate cottages which nullifies the threat of centralised air conditioning, as there is chance of infection spreading through AC ducts.

<h2>Team Bus driver and local security officer</h2>

Normally at any venue, the BCCI (on foreign tours liaising with host Board) and, in this case, the franchises in co-ordination with the Emirates Cricket Board will be hiring local transport, including luxury bus which carries the team to stadiums.

Normally, the locals who drive the bus leave for home after the day's work but in this case, they might have to be asked to stay in the bio-secure environment for two months.

"If every day, they are going to go home, they are exposed to outside environment and you have to negate the risk to minimum," a top franchise official said.

Ditto for the local security personnel who will be deployed on and off the field for the teams. A lot of franchises would ideally want them to be accommodated in hotels.

<h2>Catering staff at grounds serving players</h2>

Will there be a separate bio-bubble for the catering staff who normally serve the players during the break? They might be tested every day just like the drivers and security officers and they can also be included in the bio-secure environment.&nbsp;

The BCCI is likely to hand over a comprehensive Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) to the eight franchises for the upcoming IPL in the UAE but there are a few pressing questions that all the stakeholders need to figure out in the coming days.

The BCCI is likely to hand over a comprehensive Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) to the eight franchises for the upcoming IPL in the UAE but there are a few pressing questions that all the stakeholders need to figure out in the coming days. While it is expected that most of the franchises will be starting to send their recce teams to the UAE to check out the facilities as well as what kind of bio-secure environments that can be created. Some of the franchises have questions which probably BCCI will need to answer in their SOPs. Regarding players' families This is a tricky issue that will totally depend on what BCCI states in its SOPs. A senior franchise official said that it will be "criminal" to keep players away from their partners and families for two months and that too in a sanitised environment where there will be least social contact during the course of the tournament. "During normal times, the wives and girlfriends, at times families join the players during a specified time but this is completely different scenario. If families travel, can they be confined to rooms without being able to move around normally?" an official asked. "There will be players who have kids aged between 3 to 5 and how do you keep them in a room for two months," he added. Will smaller boutique hotels or resorts work better? While top cricket teams are used to staying in five-star facilities but it is a difficult proposition to just rent out multiple five star hotels just for the team where other visitors won't be allowed. A senior BCCI official, who was an integral part of 2014 IPL in Dubai, feels that in the desert city, even three-star boutique hotels are as good as five star and there are resorts which are easier to be rented out completely. "Look every franchise won't be able to match up to say Mumbai Indians, who will undoubtedly have the best set-up in these trying times. They have private jets, can even take doctors from their super speciality hospital, rent out a five-star hotel. Others need to check out what's best for them. May be a beach resort," the official said. He gave a logic of having resorts with separate cottages which nullifies the threat of centralised air conditioning, as there is chance of infection spreading through AC ducts. Team Bus driver and local security officer Normally at any venue, the BCCI (on foreign tours liaising with host Board) and, in this case, the franchises in co-ordination with the Emirates Cricket Board will be hiring local transport, including luxury bus which carries the team to stadiums. Normally, the locals who drive the bus leave for home after the day's work but in this case, they might have to be asked to stay in the bio-secure environment for two months. "If every day, they are going to go home, they are exposed to outside environment and you have to negate the risk to minimum," a top franchise official said. Ditto for the local security personnel who will be deployed on and off the field for the teams. A lot of franchises would ideally want them to be accommodated in hotels. Catering staff at grounds serving players Will there be a separate bio-bubble for the catering staff who normally serve the players during the break? They might be tested every day just like the drivers and security officers and they can also be included in the bio-secure environment.

IPL Bio-Bubble: Franchises fret over WAGS, local drivers, security, hospitality

Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday confirmed that they have received the official Letter of Intent from the BCCI to host the 2020 edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;</a>

“We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government which will ink the final deal.” said Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket Board Secretary General.&nbsp;

While the Board waits for notice from BCCI that the Indian Government has approved to move the IPL from India (to the UAE) Usmani stated both Boards have fully mobilised and have instigated discussions with the relevant authorities, including their respective internal working-committees, in preparation of hosting the tournament (touted as starting September 19th&nbsp;with the final proposed for November 8th) in a safe, protected environment.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-sends-acceptance-letter-to-emirates-cricket-board-for-hosting-ipl-2020-in-uae-316221" hreflang="en">BCCI sends acceptance letter to Emirates Cricket Board for hosting IPL 2020 in UAE</a>

“There are many factors which influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world’s most exciting, popular and lucrative tournament.” comment Usmani. “This is a massive movement of people and equipment and we now need to bring in the experts to discuss all aspects of UAE hosting the IPL. This includes the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Sports Councils, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Tourism Bodies and the respective Government entities - such as the Police Forces and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, all who have had strong, proven experience in such activities and we will work together to ascertain the best practices to support and deliver on a successful edition.”

Having hosted the 2014 edition Usmani noted the UAE is well positioned with its experience on delivering the 2020 edition. “We have a sound, solid understanding of what is required, and to whom we need to consult and engage with from this early stage through to close of the Tournament.” Commenting on UAE’s cricket-infrastructure he added: “UAE boasts some of the best practice facilities and stadia in the world across three-Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) which we are confident will be more than adequate to support the 8-team tournament.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-to-be-played-between-september-19-and-november-8-confirms-brijesh-patel-315632" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 to be played between September 19 and November 8, confirms Brijesh Patel</a>

Commenting on the current situation regarding CoVid-19 Usmani stated that: “Firstly, we are extremely pleased with how the UAE Government responded to the virus, which was as early as February and we continue to see encouraging numbers across the country - in decreasing cases and increasing recoveries.” “Secondly, we will fully support any requirements stipulated by the relevant Health Authorities in regards to CoVid-19 safety measures and management.”&nbsp;

Ultimately, as owners of the IPL the BCCI will lay-out their requirements to the Host nation of which Emirates Cricket continues to reiterate their unwavering support and assistance at every step of the process.

Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday confirmed that they have received the official Letter of Intent from the BCCI to host the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday confirmed that they have received the official Letter of Intent from the BCCI to host the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). “We have received the (official) letter and now wait on the decision from the Indian Government which will ink the final deal.” said Mubashshir Usmani, Emirates Cricket Board Secretary General. While the Board waits for notice from BCCI that the Indian Government has approved to move the IPL from India (to the UAE) Usmani stated both Boards have fully mobilised and have instigated discussions with the relevant authorities, including their respective internal working-committees, in preparation of hosting the tournament (touted as starting September 19th with the final proposed for November 8th) in a safe, protected environment. ALSO READ: BCCI sends acceptance letter to Emirates Cricket Board for hosting IPL 2020 in UAE “There are many factors which influence the operations and logistics of hosting what is the world’s most exciting, popular and lucrative tournament.” comment Usmani. “This is a massive movement of people and equipment and we now need to bring in the experts to discuss all aspects of UAE hosting the IPL. This includes the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Sports Councils, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Tourism Bodies and the respective Government entities - such as the Police Forces and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, all who have had strong, proven experience in such activities and we will work together to ascertain the best practices to support and deliver on a successful edition.” Having hosted the 2014 edition Usmani noted the UAE is well positioned with its experience on delivering the 2020 edition. “We have a sound, solid understanding of what is required, and to whom we need to consult and engage with from this early stage through to close of the Tournament.” Commenting on UAE’s cricket-infrastructure he added: “UAE boasts some of the best practice facilities and stadia in the world across three-Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah) which we are confident will be more than adequate to support the 8-team tournament.” ALSO READ: IPL 2020 to be played between September 19 and November 8, confirms Brijesh Patel Commenting on the current situation regarding CoVid-19 Usmani stated that: “Firstly, we are extremely pleased with how the UAE Government responded to the virus, which was as early as February and we continue to see encouraging numbers across the country - in decreasing cases and increasing recoveries.” “Secondly, we will fully support any requirements stipulated by the relevant Health Authorities in regards to CoVid-19 safety measures and management.” Ultimately, as owners of the IPL the BCCI will lay-out their requirements to the Host nation of which Emirates Cricket continues to reiterate their unwavering support and assistance at every step of the process.

Emirates Cricket Board confirms BCCI Letter of Intent to host the IPL 2020

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> franchises from the BCCI is set to be the focal point of discussion when IPL Governing Council meets in few days’ time. Since 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>, the Indian cricket board is planning meticulously to conduct <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are seeking an approval from the central government for their request for a shift due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Inda.&nbsp;

"There will be three principal points on the agenda and that will primarily be discussed as and when the GC meets," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

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>

The primary points are as follows:

<h2>1)&nbsp;Shifting to UAE, dates, venues, matches:</h2>

After getting green signal from government departments, the BCCI will inform the ECB (Emirates Cricket Board) for hosting the IPL 2020. &nbsp;

"As far as I know, they are not curtailing the tournament. We will have all the 60 matches in the old format where teams play 14 games," a senior official of one of the popular franchise said.

The duration of IPL 2020 is set to be between 44 to 48 days depending on the double headers that BCCI approves. As per the original schedule, there were just five double headers on Sundays but given the current circumstances, the number of double headers could increase.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aakash-chopra-explains-why-royal-challengers-bangalore-might-find-success-if-ipl-happens-in-uae-315139" hreflang="en">Aakash Chopra explains why Royal Challengers Bangalore might find success if IPL happens in UAE</a>

<h2>2) SOP for teams, bio-bubble, training facilities:</h2>

There are three grounds available in the UAE -- Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and the Sharjah ground. Furthermore, the BCCI is set to rent the grounds of the ICC Academy for training purposes.&nbsp;

The ICC Academy has two full-sized cricket grounds along with 38 turf pitches, 6 indoor pitches, a 5700 square foot outdoor conditioning area along with physiotherapy and medicine centre.

"The teams that will be stationed in Dubai can practice at the ICC Academy by paying a fee," the senior official said.

As per the health protocol in Dubai, people carrying negative COVID-19 test report don’t have to go for quarantine. Also there is DXB app (similar to Aarogya Setu) in India which players and officials need to download.

"The hotels where we book rooms, the floors that will have our team members will be a sanitized areas and that will be done in consultation with hotel authorities," a franchise official informed.

If commercial flights are given an approval then most franchises will be heading to the UAE in the fourth week of August.

<h2>3) Issues with broadcaster</h2>

There will be talks on the duration of the tournament which is massive for host broadcasters considering they paid a whopping sum for the deal. Discussions are expected to be on the timing of evening/night matches whether they should be held at usual 8pm IST slot or be pushed forward by half an hour.&nbsp;

In case the tournament starts between September 26 and 29 and goes on till November 14 (Diwali), double-headers might not exceed more than seven which will be good news for broadcasters.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for IPL franchises from the BCCI is set to be the focal point of discussion when IPL Governing Council meets in few days’ time.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for IPL franchises from the BCCI is set to be the focal point of discussion when IPL Governing Council meets in few days’ time. Since the official postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, the Indian cricket board is planning meticulously to conduct IPL 2020 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are seeking an approval from the central government for their request for a shift due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Inda. "There will be three principal points on the agenda and that will primarily be discussed as and when the GC meets," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. ALSO READ: Emirates Cricket Board awaiting final nod from BCCI to host IPL 2020 The primary points are as follows: 1) Shifting to UAE, dates, venues, matches: After getting green signal from government departments, the BCCI will inform the ECB (Emirates Cricket Board) for hosting the IPL 2020. "As far as I know, they are not curtailing the tournament. We will have all the 60 matches in the old format where teams play 14 games," a senior official of one of the popular franchise said. The duration of IPL 2020 is set to be between 44 to 48 days depending on the double headers that BCCI approves. As per the original schedule, there were just five double headers on Sundays but given the current circumstances, the number of double headers could increase. ALSO READ: Aakash Chopra explains why Royal Challengers Bangalore might find success if IPL happens in UAE 2) SOP for teams, bio-bubble, training facilities: There are three grounds available in the UAE -- Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and the Sharjah ground. Furthermore, the BCCI is set to rent the grounds of the ICC Academy for training purposes. The ICC Academy has two full-sized cricket grounds along with 38 turf pitches, 6 indoor pitches, a 5700 square foot outdoor conditioning area along with physiotherapy and medicine centre. "The teams that will be stationed in Dubai can practice at the ICC Academy by paying a fee," the senior official said. As per the health protocol in Dubai, people carrying negative COVID-19 test report don’t have to go for quarantine. Also there is DXB app (similar to Aarogya Setu) in India which players and officials need to download. "The hotels where we book rooms, the floors that will have our team members will be a sanitized areas and that will be done in consultation with hotel authorities," a franchise official informed. If commercial flights are given an approval then most franchises will be heading to the UAE in the fourth week of August. 3) Issues with broadcaster There will be talks on the duration of the tournament which is massive for host broadcasters considering they paid a whopping sum for the deal. Discussions are expected to be on the timing of evening/night matches whether they should be held at usual 8pm IST slot or be pushed forward by half an hour. In case the tournament starts between September 26 and 29 and goes on till November 14 (Diwali), double-headers might not exceed more than seven which will be good news for broadcasters. (With inputs from PTI)

IPL GC Agenda: Focus on SOPs, broadcasters' demand keeping UAE time in mind

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday confirmed to WION that they are awaiting an official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the highly-anticipated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>.

The 13th edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a> is set to be hosted by the UAE with IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel confirming the same on Tuesday.

However, the BCCI would require government permission to go ahead with the tournament, abroad. The Indian board has applied for a permission for IPL 2020 and the next IPL Governing Council meeting is likely to come with a concrete decision relating to the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/planning-for-full-fledged-ipl-2020-most-likely-in-the-uae-brijesh-patel-314905" hreflang="en">Planning for full-fledged IPL 2020, most likely in the UAE: Brijesh Patel</a>

With the IPL heading abroad, the Emirates Cricket Board is awaiting final confirmation from the BCCI in relation to being the host of the tournament and looking to pace up things once the Indian cricket board gains approval from the Indian government on hosting IPL outside India.

“We are, in fact, awaiting final confirmation from the BCCI regarding being the host nation. There is also the final condition of BCCI gaining approval from the Indian government that they can host the IPL outside India. At this stage we are holding on making any comment,” the Emirates Cricket Board said in a statement to WION.

Earlier, Patel had said that the plan is to have a full-fledged IPL comprising of 60 games with the UAE being the “most likely” host.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-virtual-commentary-in-ipl-2020-possible-deep-dasgupta-explains-314970" hreflang="en">Is virtual commentary in IPL 2020 possible? Deep Dasgupta explains</a>

"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.

On Monday, the ICC announced the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic which opened up a window for IPL 2020.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday confirmed to WION that they are awaiting an official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the highly-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday confirmed to WION that they are awaiting an official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the highly-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to be hosted by the UAE with IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel confirming the same on Tuesday. However, the BCCI would require government permission to go ahead with the tournament, abroad. The Indian board has applied for a permission for IPL 2020 and the next IPL Governing Council meeting is likely to come with a concrete decision relating to the cash-rich tournament. ALSO READ: Planning for full-fledged IPL 2020, most likely in the UAE: Brijesh Patel With the IPL heading abroad, the Emirates Cricket Board is awaiting final confirmation from the BCCI in relation to being the host of the tournament and looking to pace up things once the Indian cricket board gains approval from the Indian government on hosting IPL outside India. “We are, in fact, awaiting final confirmation from the BCCI regarding being the host nation. There is also the final condition of BCCI gaining approval from the Indian government that they can host the IPL outside India. At this stage we are holding on making any comment,” the Emirates Cricket Board said in a statement to WION. Earlier, Patel had said that the plan is to have a full-fledged IPL comprising of 60 games with the UAE being the “most likely” host. ALSO READ: Is virtual commentary in IPL 2020 possible? Deep Dasgupta explains "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. On Monday, the ICC announced the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic which opened up a window for IPL 2020.

Emirates Cricket Board awaiting final nod from BCCI to host IPL 2020

World cricket witnessed something unique in Cricket South Africa’s brainchild - 3TC Solidarity Cup - at SuperSport Park in Centurion on July 18. While 24 South African players participated in the one-off match involving three teams, Indian commentators turned their respective houses into commentary box as the likes of Deep Dasgupta (Kolkata), Sanjay Manjrekar (Mumbai), Irfan Pathan (Baroda) and Jatin Sapru (Delhi)&nbsp;gripped the Indian cricket fans with their take on the match in Hindi.

Not only these four but the entire production team of Star Sports joined in from different cities of India. Be it Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai or Mysuru, the entire team assembled to bring a unique format of cricket to brighten up the lives of cricket fans.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Comm box for the day. I’m in Delhi, <a href="https://twitter.com/IrfanPathan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IrfanPathan</a> joins from Baroda, <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaymanjrekar</a> from Mumbai <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepDasgupta7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeepDasgupta7</a> from Kolkata - <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> Broadcast team all over India - Everybody at home bringing you a live match from South Africa Wow wow wow! Join us at 2pm <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/3teamcricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#3teamcricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZn5EnwLzN">pic.twitter.com/TZn5EnwLzN</a>
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/1284383856783527938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At the end, there were plaudits for each and every one who made the 3TC event possible. Both Hindi and English commentary were made available for viewers in what was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for cricket lovers.&nbsp;

As people say, extraordinary times require extraordinary measures to pull off something of a large scale and that is what 3TC witnessed.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
That was some effort 👏👏 
Big shout out to the whole team for making it happen <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Sanjog_G?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sanjog_G</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/3TCricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#3TCricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/S1VUk8mDAf">pic.twitter.com/S1VUk8mDAf</a>
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepDasgupta7/status/1284499359933980674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“I don’t think something like that (virtual commentary in 3TC) was done before this. So technologically it was something huge that everyone pulled off. These are extraordinary times where you need extraordinary measures so in that perspective it was huge thing. And what I gathered from everyone is that viewing and listening experience on air was not bad,” former Indian cricketer turned broadcaster Deep Dasgupta told WION.&nbsp;

“Personally it was absolutely brilliant. There was some overlapping and audio glitches but it was normal as we were doing it for the first time. And naturally, people also understand the extraordinary times and what we are doing to bring back cricket to life,” Dasgupta added. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All set <a href="https://t.co/eMylbFoxlN">https://t.co/eMylbFoxlN</a> <a href="https://t.co/LCMDhLTnt7">pic.twitter.com/LCMDhLTnt7</a>
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeepDasgupta7/status/1284402389290610690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Another major development in the world of cricket comes in the postponement of T20 World Cup. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/planning-for-full-fledged-ipl-2020-most-likely-in-the-uae-brijesh-patel-314905">IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel has almost confirmed that IPL 2020&nbsp;will be heading to the UAE</a>. As more and more news surrounding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">IPL 2020</a> continues to flow, a big question remains whether the tournament will also follow the footsteps of the 3TC in relation to virtual commentary.

The event in South Africa was one-off but IPL will be of around 60 matches. Is it even possible to pull off something of a mountainous scale as IPL when it comes to commentating from home? Deep Dasgupta is of the view that it will definitely be challenging but not impossible but questions if 160 players can travel to the UAE then how will the other 15-20 commentators make a difference.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hats off to <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> to pull this one off! 
Hindi commentary on coverage coming from SA, with comms in Mumbai, Kolkata, Baroda &amp; Delhi. Director in Mysore, producers again all over the place. Gold goes to the production team! 
Well done you guys!👏👏👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/3teamcricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#3teamcricket</a>
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1284481991866368001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“Virtual commentary during IPL might not be the first option but I guess it is an option somewhere in the pecking order. Technologically, it will be massive. Yes, there has to be some improvement if IPL thinks about virtual commentary. With practice, things will get better. If IPL happens in the UAE, then around 160 players will be travelling. So how can another 15-20 commentators affect the planning?,” Dasgupta explained.&nbsp;

Production scale is immense in the IPL. It can’t be even compared to other T20 tournaments in the world in terms of quality analysis, entertainment and depth. In a nutshell, IPL is blockbuster. But if the organisers go with the decision of sticking to virtual commentary, will it make a difference? In terms of quality, yes there will be a definite hit. While it is still an early stage, the BCCI might not take the risk of going ahead with virtual commentary as they would look to make the viewing experience as better as possible for fans watching on their TV sets or over the internet. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/planning-for-full-fledged-ipl-2020-most-likely-in-the-uae-brijesh-patel-314905" hreflang="en">Planning for full-fledged IPL 2020, most likely in the UAE: Brijesh Patel</a>

“You can never compare on-field commentary with off-field commentary. When you are on the field, you can contribute so much more. When we are off the field, we are seeing what others are seeing on television, so we can’t add more to that. Whereas when you are on the field, you pick up something what you see and start talking about it and then the cameraman can pick it up. And there is constant communication with the producers, directors and everyone associated with the broadcast. But then if are doing virtual commentary more then it will improve with time be it on technical aspect or sharing insights as a commentator,” the former India wicket-keeper explained.&nbsp;

While the news of IPL heading to the UAE has certainly taken the social media by storm, fans are still awaiting an official confirmation. IPL is all about experiencing world’s best T20 tournament, and commentators and presenters play a major role in fulfilling the expectations of viewers.&nbsp;Fans would be eager to watch their favourite franchises in action but they would also be looking forward to seeing their favourite commentators on the field lighting up the magic with their presence and voice. 
&nbsp;

World cricket witnessed something unique in Cricket South Africa’s brainchild - 3TC Solidarity Cup - at SuperSport Park in Centurion on July 18. While 24 South African players participated in the one-off match involving three teams, Indian commentators turned their respective houses into commentary box as the likes of Deep Dasgupta (Kolkata), Sanjay Manjrekar (Mumbai), Irfan Pathan (Baroda) and Jatin Sapru (Delhi) gripped the Indian cricket fans with their take on the match in Hindi.

World cricket witnessed something unique in Cricket South Africa’s brainchild - 3TC Solidarity Cup - at SuperSport Park in Centurion on July 18. While 24 South African players participated in the one-off match involving three teams, Indian commentators turned their respective houses into commentary box as the likes of Deep Dasgupta (Kolkata), Sanjay Manjrekar (Mumbai), Irfan Pathan (Baroda) and Jatin Sapru (Delhi) gripped the Indian cricket fans with their take on the match in Hindi. Not only these four but the entire production team of Star Sports joined in from different cities of India. Be it Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai or Mysuru, the entire team assembled to bring a unique format of cricket to brighten up the lives of cricket fans. Comm box for the day. I’m in Delhi, @IrfanPathan joins from Baroda, @sanjaymanjrekar from Mumbai @DeepDasgupta7 from Kolkata - @StarSportsIndia Broadcast team all over India - Everybody at home bringing you a live match from South Africa Wow wow wow! Join us at 2pm #3teamcricket pic.twitter.com/TZn5EnwLzN — Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) July 18, 2020 × At the end, there were plaudits for each and every one who made the 3TC event possible. Both Hindi and English commentary were made available for viewers in what was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for cricket lovers. As people say, extraordinary times require extraordinary measures to pull off something of a large scale and that is what 3TC witnessed. That was some effort 👏👏 Big shout out to the whole team for making it happen @StarSportsIndia @Sanjog_G #3TCricket pic.twitter.com/S1VUk8mDAf — Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) July 18, 2020 × “I don’t think something like that (virtual commentary in 3TC) was done before this. So technologically it was something huge that everyone pulled off. These are extraordinary times where you need extraordinary measures so in that perspective it was huge thing. And what I gathered from everyone is that viewing and listening experience on air was not bad,” former Indian cricketer turned broadcaster Deep Dasgupta told WION. “Personally it was absolutely brilliant. There was some overlapping and audio glitches but it was normal as we were doing it for the first time. And naturally, people also understand the extraordinary times and what we are doing to bring back cricket to life,” Dasgupta added. All set https://t.co/eMylbFoxlN pic.twitter.com/LCMDhLTnt7 — Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) July 18, 2020 × Another major development in the world of cricket comes in the postponement of T20 World Cup. IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel has almost confirmed that IPL 2020 will be heading to the UAE. As more and more news surrounding IPL 2020 continues to flow, a big question remains whether the tournament will also follow the footsteps of the 3TC in relation to virtual commentary. The event in South Africa was one-off but IPL will be of around 60 matches. Is it even possible to pull off something of a mountainous scale as IPL when it comes to commentating from home? Deep Dasgupta is of the view that it will definitely be challenging but not impossible but questions if 160 players can travel to the UAE then how will the other 15-20 commentators make a difference. Hats off to @StarSportsIndia to pull this one off! Hindi commentary on coverage coming from SA, with comms in Mumbai, Kolkata, Baroda & Delhi. Director in Mysore, producers again all over the place. Gold goes to the production team! Well done you guys!👏👏👏#3teamcricket — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 18, 2020 × “Virtual commentary during IPL might not be the first option but I guess it is an option somewhere in the pecking order. Technologically, it will be massive. Yes, there has to be some improvement if IPL thinks about virtual commentary. With practice, things will get better. If IPL happens in the UAE, then around 160 players will be travelling. So how can another 15-20 commentators affect the planning?,” Dasgupta explained. Production scale is immense in the IPL. It can’t be even compared to other T20 tournaments in the world in terms of quality analysis, entertainment and depth. In a nutshell, IPL is blockbuster. But if the organisers go with the decision of sticking to virtual commentary, will it make a difference? In terms of quality, yes there will be a definite hit. While it is still an early stage, the BCCI might not take the risk of going ahead with virtual commentary as they would look to make the viewing experience as better as possible for fans watching on their TV sets or over the internet. ALSO READ: Planning for full-fledged IPL 2020, most likely in the UAE: Brijesh Patel “You can never compare on-field commentary with off-field commentary. When you are on the field, you can contribute so much more. When we are off the field, we are seeing what others are seeing on television, so we can’t add more to that. Whereas when you are on the field, you pick up something what you see and start talking about it and then the cameraman can pick it up. And there is constant communication with the producers, directors and everyone associated with the broadcast. But then if are doing virtual commentary more then it will improve with time be it on technical aspect or sharing insights as a commentator,” the former India wicket-keeper explained. While the news of IPL heading to the UAE has certainly taken the social media by storm, fans are still awaiting an official confirmation. IPL is all about experiencing world’s best T20 tournament, and commentators and presenters play a major role in fulfilling the expectations of viewers. Fans would be eager to watch their favourite franchises in action but they would also be looking forward to seeing their favourite commentators on the field lighting up the magic with their presence and voice.

Is virtual commentary in IPL 2020 possible? Deep Dasgupta explains

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> will be the topmost agenda of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Apex Council, which is set to meet virtually on Friday. The rising cases of COVID-19 has left the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> hanging in balance but the BCCI is optimistic of conducting the tournament, either in India or abroad.

As per a report in PTI, the 11-point agenda will surround the domestic cricket season, which is likely to see a truncated version considering the rising COVID-19 caseload in the country. Another major point that will be discussed is the rejigging of the Future Tours and Programme (FTP) of the men’s cricket team with three series (against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and England) already cancelled. &nbsp;

While the BCCI has zeroed in on a September to early November window for IPL, the Council will discuss the roadmap for the tournament, which currently stands indefinitely postponed amid the uncertainty surrounding the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-offering-to-host-ipl-2020-is-speculation-nzc-spokesperson-311880" hreflang="en">New Zealand offering to host IPL 2020 is speculation: NZC spokesperson</a>

"Obviously, all options need to be explored. First option is India but you don't how the situation will be. Obviously, there is UAE and Sri Lanka but taking out the IPL will increase the overheads. I think the president also recently said that," a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

"I don't think we are still in a position to fix venues in a situation which is so fluid. But the plans and the tentative window needs to be ready so that once ICC makes a formal announcement of T20 World Cup (scheduled for October-November) cancellation next week, we can proceed," the official said.

Tax exemption for ICC events also in agenda. With ICC Board Meeting scheduled next Monday, the issue of getting tax exemption certificate from the government in order to host the 2021 T20 World Cup is also high on agenda.

The tax exemption for the ICC events has been a bone of contention and BCCI has been given time till December to get the necessary clearances from the central government. As far as India's FTP is concerned, the agenda states that the September white-ball series versus England could be rescheduled in February following the Test series.In case BCCI wants to squeeze in the white ball games, it could well mean that the five-Test series would be curtailed to include six white ball games (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-wi-jofra-archer-dropped-from-2nd-test-for-breaching-teams-bio-secure-protocols-313649" hreflang="en">ENG vs WI: Jofra Archer dropped from 2nd Test for breaching team’s bio-secure protocols</a>

The postponed white ball tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also needs to be rescheduled.

One of the biggest headache for BCCI is country's domestic structure which includes, senior men, U-23 men, junior boys (U-19 and U-16), senior women, U-23 women and U-19 girls, constituting thousands of matches across formats.&nbsp;

"Obviously, the Ranji Trophy schedule needs to be tweaked. We need to discuss whether we can have Vijay Hazare, Duleep Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali in one go."May be we have to let go one of the tournaments as considerable time would be lost. We have to fit in the junior domestic events," said the official.

Another major issue will be apparel sponsorship as the Nike deal has come to an end. It is expected that BCCI will follow the process of inviting tenders from potential bidders.

Some of the other issues include discussions on Rahul Johri's replacement for CEO's post, grants and subsidies to North Eastern states, NCA operations, recruitment of BCCI staff and administrative mess in Bihar Cricket Association.

<h2>Agenda for Friday</h2>

1) IPL- Way forward

2) Domestic cricket schedules

3) FTP- Rescheduling of the England home series for February, 2021

4) Tax exemption certificates mandatory for hosting the T20 World Cup in India

5) NCA facility in Bengaluru

6) Extension of contract for BCCI &amp; IPL digital platforms

7) Bihar Cricket Association's administrative mess

8) Appointment of new staff in the BCCI

9) Procedure to appoint new CEO after Rahul Johri's resignation

10) Payments to NE states

11) Discussion on Tender for Apparel Partnership.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will be the topmost agenda of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Apex Council, which is set to meet virtually on Friday.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will be the topmost agenda of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Apex Council, which is set to meet virtually on Friday. The rising cases of COVID-19 has left the IPL hanging in balance but the BCCI is optimistic of conducting the tournament, either in India or abroad. As per a report in PTI, the 11-point agenda will surround the domestic cricket season, which is likely to see a truncated version considering the rising COVID-19 caseload in the country. Another major point that will be discussed is the rejigging of the Future Tours and Programme (FTP) of the men’s cricket team with three series (against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and England) already cancelled. While the BCCI has zeroed in on a September to early November window for IPL, the Council will discuss the roadmap for the tournament, which currently stands indefinitely postponed amid the uncertainty surrounding the dreaded virus. ALSO READ: New Zealand offering to host IPL 2020 is speculation: NZC spokesperson "Obviously, all options need to be explored. First option is India but you don't how the situation will be. Obviously, there is UAE and Sri Lanka but taking out the IPL will increase the overheads. I think the president also recently said that," a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity. "I don't think we are still in a position to fix venues in a situation which is so fluid. But the plans and the tentative window needs to be ready so that once ICC makes a formal announcement of T20 World Cup (scheduled for October-November) cancellation next week, we can proceed," the official said. Tax exemption for ICC events also in agenda. With ICC Board Meeting scheduled next Monday, the issue of getting tax exemption certificate from the government in order to host the 2021 T20 World Cup is also high on agenda. The tax exemption for the ICC events has been a bone of contention and BCCI has been given time till December to get the necessary clearances from the central government. As far as India's FTP is concerned, the agenda states that the September white-ball series versus England could be rescheduled in February following the Test series.In case BCCI wants to squeeze in the white ball games, it could well mean that the five-Test series would be curtailed to include six white ball games (3 ODIs and 3 T20Is). ALSO READ: ENG vs WI: Jofra Archer dropped from 2nd Test for breaching team’s bio-secure protocols The postponed white ball tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also needs to be rescheduled. One of the biggest headache for BCCI is country's domestic structure which includes, senior men, U-23 men, junior boys (U-19 and U-16), senior women, U-23 women and U-19 girls, constituting thousands of matches across formats. "Obviously, the Ranji Trophy schedule needs to be tweaked. We need to discuss whether we can have Vijay Hazare, Duleep Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali in one go."May be we have to let go one of the tournaments as considerable time would be lost. We have to fit in the junior domestic events," said the official. Another major issue will be apparel sponsorship as the Nike deal has come to an end. It is expected that BCCI will follow the process of inviting tenders from potential bidders. Some of the other issues include discussions on Rahul Johri's replacement for CEO's post, grants and subsidies to North Eastern states, NCA operations, recruitment of BCCI staff and administrative mess in Bihar Cricket Association. Agenda for Friday 1) IPL- Way forward 2) Domestic cricket schedules 3) FTP- Rescheduling of the England home series for February, 2021 4) Tax exemption certificates mandatory for hosting the T20 World Cup in India 5) NCA facility in Bengaluru 6) Extension of contract for BCCI & IPL digital platforms 7) Bihar Cricket Association's administrative mess 8) Appointment of new staff in the BCCI 9) Procedure to appoint new CEO after Rahul Johri's resignation 10) Payments to NE states 11) Discussion on Tender for Apparel Partnership. (With inputs from PTI)

BCCI Apex Council meeting on Friday: IPL 2020, revamped FTP, domestic calendar on 11-point agenda

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has dismissed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-offers-to-host-ipl-after-uae-and-sri-lanka-confirms-bcci-official-311116">reports stating</a> that it has offered to host the postponed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> 2020, terming it as “speculation”. NZC spokesperson Richard Boock said that the board has not expressed any interest to host the IPL nor they have been approached to do so.&nbsp;

The 13th edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> was to be held in March but was postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic. Boock’s statement comes after a BCCI official said that New Zealand have joined the UAE and Sri Lanka in the race to host IPL 2020 given the money-spinning tournament is shifted abroad due to rising cases of coronavirus in India.

<h2>The report is simply speculation: New Zealand Cricket spokesperson on hosting IPL 2020</h2>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/interview-i-want-to-leave-a-legacy-and-set-fresh-benchmarks-sreesanth-311099" hreflang="en">Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth</a>

"The report is simply speculation. We have not offered to host the IPL nor have we had an approach to do so," NZC spokesperson Boock was quoted as saying by Radio New Zealand.

The BCCI is eyeing a September-November window to host IPL 2020 in place of the T20 World Cup, which is set to be postponed due to growing cases of the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

It will not be the first time the IPL is taken out of India as the 2009 edition was hosted by South Africa because of general elections in India, whereas the 2014 edition was partially hosted by the UAE.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/questions-will-be-raised-if-ipl-2020-happens-but-t20-world-cup-is-postponed-inzamam-ul-haq-311059" hreflang="en">Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq</a>

As per reports, the T20 World Cup is all set to be postponed when ICC officials meet on Friday (July 10) to discuss the showpiece tournament. The tournament, which was scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November, may get pushed back to 2022 as India are to host the 2021 edition with the 50-over World Cup in 2023 also set to be played in India. 
&nbsp;

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has dismissed reports stating that it has offered to host the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, terming it as “speculation”. NZC spokesperson Richard Boock said that the board has not expressed any interest to host the IPL nor they have been approached to do so.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has dismissed reports stating that it has offered to host the postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, terming it as “speculation”. NZC spokesperson Richard Boock said that the board has not expressed any interest to host the IPL nor they have been approached to do so. The 13th edition of the IPL was to be held in March but was postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic. Boock’s statement comes after a BCCI official said that New Zealand have joined the UAE and Sri Lanka in the race to host IPL 2020 given the money-spinning tournament is shifted abroad due to rising cases of coronavirus in India. The report is simply speculation: New Zealand Cricket spokesperson on hosting IPL 2020 ALSO READ: Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth "The report is simply speculation. We have not offered to host the IPL nor have we had an approach to do so," NZC spokesperson Boock was quoted as saying by Radio New Zealand. The BCCI is eyeing a September-November window to host IPL 2020 in place of the T20 World Cup, which is set to be postponed due to growing cases of the dreaded virus. It will not be the first time the IPL is taken out of India as the 2009 edition was hosted by South Africa because of general elections in India, whereas the 2014 edition was partially hosted by the UAE. ALSO READ: Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq As per reports, the T20 World Cup is all set to be postponed when ICC officials meet on Friday (July 10) to discuss the showpiece tournament. The tournament, which was scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November, may get pushed back to 2022 as India are to host the 2021 edition with the 50-over World Cup in 2023 also set to be played in India.

New Zealand offering to host IPL 2020 is speculation: NZC spokesperson

After the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has offered to host the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> if the money-spinning tournament can’t be held in India amid COVID-19 pandemic. With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-set-to-be-postponed-this-week-bcci-to-start-planning-for-ipl-2020-311015">postponement of T20 World Cup 2020 inevitable</a>, a window has popped up for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> with the BCCI zeroing in on the September-November window for the tournament.

While the Indian cricket board’s first choice of host will be India but with the rising cases of coronavirus, chances look grim. India has the third in the list to have most COVID-19 cases behind Brazil and the USA.&nbsp;

"Staging the event in India has to be the first choice but in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options. 
After UAE and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has also offered to host the IPL," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams, etc) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that," the official said.

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/interview-i-want-to-leave-a-legacy-and-set-fresh-benchmarks-sreesanth-311099" hreflang="en">Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth</a>

The IPL has been held abroad in the past with the UAE and South Africa being the hosts of the tournament previously. The 2009 edition was staged in South Africa due to general election and the UAE hosted a few matches in 2014 due to the same reason. However, in 2019, the BCCI did schedule the IPL in India while avoiding clashes with poll dates in different states.

<h2>Time difference a major issue with New Zealand</h2>

However, India has a seven and half hour time difference with New Zealand which could affect the viewership of matches. Even apart from Hamilton and Auckland, venues in Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin will need air travel.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/questions-will-be-raised-if-ipl-2020-happens-but-t20-world-cup-is-postponed-inzamam-ul-haq-311059" hreflang="en">Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq</a>&nbsp;

The BCCI official further said that the date of IPL Governing Council Meeting will be announced soon where the issues relating to IPL and Chinese sponsorship deals in the tournament will be discussed.

The BCCI has a five-year-deal in place for IPL title rights with Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo, which fetches the Indian board a mammoth Rs 440 crore annually till 2022.

After the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has offered to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 if the money-spinning tournament can’t be held in India amid COVID-19 pandemic.

After the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has offered to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 if the money-spinning tournament can’t be held in India amid COVID-19 pandemic. With the postponement of T20 World Cup 2020 inevitable, a window has popped up for IPL with the BCCI zeroing in on the September-November window for the tournament. While the Indian cricket board’s first choice of host will be India but with the rising cases of coronavirus, chances look grim. India has the third in the list to have most COVID-19 cases behind Brazil and the USA. "Staging the event in India has to be the first choice but in case it is not safe to have it, then we will look at the overseas options. After UAE and Sri Lanka, New Zealand has also offered to host the IPL," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "We will sit down with all stakeholders (broadcaster, teams, etc) and take a call. The safety of the players is paramount. There will be no compromise on that," the official said. WATCH: Interview | I want to leave a legacy and set fresh benchmarks: Sreesanth The IPL has been held abroad in the past with the UAE and South Africa being the hosts of the tournament previously. The 2009 edition was staged in South Africa due to general election and the UAE hosted a few matches in 2014 due to the same reason. However, in 2019, the BCCI did schedule the IPL in India while avoiding clashes with poll dates in different states. Time difference a major issue with New Zealand However, India has a seven and half hour time difference with New Zealand which could affect the viewership of matches. Even apart from Hamilton and Auckland, venues in Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin will need air travel. ALSO READ: Questions will be raised if IPL 2020 happens but T20 World Cup is postponed: Inzamam-ul-Haq The BCCI official further said that the date of IPL Governing Council Meeting will be announced soon where the issues relating to IPL and Chinese sponsorship deals in the tournament will be discussed. The BCCI has a five-year-deal in place for IPL title rights with Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo, which fetches the Indian board a mammoth Rs 440 crore annually till 2022.

New Zealand offers to host IPL after UAE and Sri Lanka, confirms BCCI official

The T20 World Cup 2020 to be hosted by Australia in October-November is set to be postponed when the ICC officials meet this Friday. For the last couple of months, the ICC has been delaying a final call on the T20 World Cup as it wants to make a correct call. However, a decision on the showpiece event looks inevitable now.&nbsp;

The postponement of T20 World Cup may open up a window for the BCCI to conduct the much-talked-about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> which has also been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

There has been a lot of talks about the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, which could be pushed back to 2022 as India is scheduled to host the 2021 edition of the tournament with the 50-over World Cup in 2023 also scheduled to be played in the country.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-unleash-latest-fab-four-in-england-311008" hreflang="en">West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England</a>

<h2>T20 World Cup 2020 postponement inevitable, BCCI working on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a>'s schedule</h2>

The report also states that the Cricket Australia has asked its players to prepare for a limited-overs away series against England in mid-September. The BCCI is also chalking out a tentative window for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a>, irrespective of ICC’s call on the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

"The year started on a horrible note and there's been no relief on any front. But as time goes by, we need to take things head-on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead," Dhumal told TOI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-batsman-kusal-mendis-arrested-over-fatal-crash-310830" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis arrested over fatal crash</a>

The IPL 2020 was originally scheduled to commence in March but was suspended indefinitely following the COVID-19 outbreak. The ICC is yet to officially decide on the T20 World Cup and with officials publicly claiming that it would be unrealistic for Australia to host the showpiece event, at this point of time, the final verdict is awaited from the ICC.

The T20 World Cup 2020 to be hosted by Australia in October-November is set to be postponed when the ICC officials meet this Friday. For the last couple of months, the ICC has been delaying a final call on the T20 World Cup as it wants to make a correct call.

The T20 World Cup 2020 to be hosted by Australia in October-November is set to be postponed when the ICC officials meet this Friday. For the last couple of months, the ICC has been delaying a final call on the T20 World Cup as it wants to make a correct call. However, a decision on the showpiece event looks inevitable now. The postponement of T20 World Cup may open up a window for the BCCI to conduct the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which has also been postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a lot of talks about the postponement of the T20 World Cup 2020, which could be pushed back to 2022 as India is scheduled to host the 2021 edition of the tournament with the 50-over World Cup in 2023 also scheduled to be played in the country. ALSO READ: West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England T20 World Cup 2020 postponement inevitable, BCCI working on IPL's schedule The report also states that the Cricket Australia has asked its players to prepare for a limited-overs away series against England in mid-September. The BCCI is also chalking out a tentative window for the IPL 2020, irrespective of ICC’s call on the T20 World Cup. "The year started on a horrible note and there's been no relief on any front. But as time goes by, we need to take things head-on and ensure that we remain prepared for any eventuality. Cricket is no different. It is time for the BCCI to start planning for the year ahead," Dhumal told TOI. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Mendis arrested over fatal crash The IPL 2020 was originally scheduled to commence in March but was suspended indefinitely following the COVID-19 outbreak. The ICC is yet to officially decide on the T20 World Cup and with officials publicly claiming that it would be unrealistic for Australia to host the showpiece event, at this point of time, the final verdict is awaited from the ICC.

T20 World Cup set to be postponed this week, BCCI to start planning for IPL 2020

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is highly unlikely to cut ties with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> title sponsors VIVO if the ‘exit clause’ favours the Chinese mobile phone makers, a senior BCCI official said on Wednesday. On June 19, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> took to social media platform Twitter to state that there would be a meeting to review the tournament’s various sponsor deals. However, that meeting is yet to take place.

Following the violent clash on June 15 in eastern Ladakh, the central government decided to ban 59 Chinese apps including the controversial TikTok. The BCCI official further said that the board never used the words ‘cancel’ or ‘terminate’ the deals.&nbsp;

"We still don't know about the fate of T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, so how can we just have a meeting? Yes, we need to discuss sponsorship but we never used the word cancel or terminate," a senior BCCI official, who also sits in IPL GC meetings, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wc-2011-match-fixing-investigation-upul-tharanga-grilled-by-siu-kumar-sangakkara-to-appear-next-309908" hreflang="en">WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Upul Tharanga grilled by SIU, Kumar Sangakkara to appear next</a>

<h2>We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us: BCCI official on Chinese sponsorship in IPL</h2>

"We said we will review sponsorship. Review means that we need to check all the modalities of the contract. If the 'Exit Clause' favours VIVO more, why should we terminate a Rs 440 crore per year contract? We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us," he added.

As per the PTI report, some BCCI officials are of the view that the board should honour the contract, which ends in 2022, unless VIVO backs out. Termination of the contract could mean that the Indian cricket board may have to pay substantial compensation.

However, the likes of PayTM, Dream XI, BYJUs and SWIGGY, who all have Chinese investors, might not have to sweat as they are Indian entities.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-news-ms-dhoni-named-captain-as-ab-de-villiers-picks-his-all-time-ipl-xi-309866" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI</a>

"Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship deals," the official IPL twitter handle had stated on Friday, June 19.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals 🇮🇳
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1274027565926060034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Interestingly, no meeting has been scheduled even after nearly two weeks of the tweet from IPL.

"I have called the IPL chairman (Brijesh Patel) and CEO (Rahul Johri) after I saw the tweet. But till date, I haven't been intimated about any meeting. Possibly, they want to have a big meeting once the T20 World Cup is officially postponed," one of the veteran GC members said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is highly unlikely to cut ties with IPL title sponsors VIVO if the ‘exit clause’ favours the Chinese mobile phone makers, a senior BCCI official said on Wednesday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is highly unlikely to cut ties with IPL title sponsors VIVO if the ‘exit clause’ favours the Chinese mobile phone makers, a senior BCCI official said on Wednesday. On June 19, IPL took to social media platform Twitter to state that there would be a meeting to review the tournament’s various sponsor deals. However, that meeting is yet to take place. Following the violent clash on June 15 in eastern Ladakh, the central government decided to ban 59 Chinese apps including the controversial TikTok. The BCCI official further said that the board never used the words ‘cancel’ or ‘terminate’ the deals. "We still don't know about the fate of T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, so how can we just have a meeting? Yes, we need to discuss sponsorship but we never used the word cancel or terminate," a senior BCCI official, who also sits in IPL GC meetings, told PTI on conditions of anonymity. ALSO READ: WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Upul Tharanga grilled by SIU, Kumar Sangakkara to appear next We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us: BCCI official on Chinese sponsorship in IPL "We said we will review sponsorship. Review means that we need to check all the modalities of the contract. If the 'Exit Clause' favours VIVO more, why should we terminate a Rs 440 crore per year contract? We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us," he added. As per the PTI report, some BCCI officials are of the view that the board should honour the contract, which ends in 2022, unless VIVO backs out. Termination of the contract could mean that the Indian cricket board may have to pay substantial compensation. However, the likes of PayTM, Dream XI, BYJUs and SWIGGY, who all have Chinese investors, might not have to sweat as they are Indian entities. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI "Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship deals," the official IPL twitter handle had stated on Friday, June 19. Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals 🇮🇳 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 19, 2020 × Interestingly, no meeting has been scheduled even after nearly two weeks of the tweet from IPL. "I have called the IPL chairman (Brijesh Patel) and CEO (Rahul Johri) after I saw the tweet. But till date, I haven't been intimated about any meeting. Possibly, they want to have a big meeting once the T20 World Cup is officially postponed," one of the veteran GC members said.

Chinese sponsors in IPL: BCCI unlikely to cut ties if 'exit clause' favours VIVO

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Tuesday called for an end to Chinese sponsorships and financial contracts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a> amid the tensions between two countries following the violent clash in eastern Ladakh earlier in June.

Calls for boycotting Chinese products have echoed all around the country after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. Amid the escalating tensions, the BCCI called a meeting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> Governing Council to review Chinese sponsorship in the cash-rich tournament. And on Monday, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps including trending TikTok, ShareIt, WeChat and many others.

"We should do it (sever ties with Chinese sponsors in IPL) for the sake of the nation. Country comes first, money is secondary. And it is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a>, not the Chinese Premier League. It should lead&nbsp;by example and show the way," Wadia told PTI on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketer-alex-hepburn-rape-conviction-overturned-at-court-of-appeal-309647" hreflang="en">Cricketer Alex Hepburn rape conviction overturned at Court of Appeal</a>

<h2>We must have all the respect for the nation: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia</h2>

"Yes it would be difficult to find sponsors initially but I am sure there are enough Indian sponsors who can replace them. We must have all the respect for the nation and our government and most importantly for the soldiers who risk their lives for us," said the known Indian businessman.

The face-off between India and China was the biggest confrontation between the two countries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers whereas China lost over 300 soldiers.

Chinese mobile maker Vivo is the title sponsor of IPL and pays Rs 440 crore to the BCCI for the five-year-deal ending in 2022. The likes of Paytm, Swiggy, Dream11 – all have Chinese investments and are involved in the IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hafeez-riaz-among-six-pakistan-players-cleared-to-tour-england-after-negative-covid-19-tests-309608" hreflang="en">Hafeez, Riaz among six Pakistan players cleared to tour England after negative COVID-19 tests</a>

Wadia has cleared his part out and other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, said they will follow government orders.

"It will be tough to replace them initially but if it has to be done for the sake of the nation, we should do it," a CSK source told PTI. 
Another team owner said: "Let the government decide first, whatever they decide, we will follow".

Wadia is also of the view that BCCI needs to find an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season while adding it is not right to wait government’s directives.

Indian companies need to step up: Ness Wadia

"If I was the BCCI president, I would say find me an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season.

"Indian companies need to step up and see the same benefits and opportunities that Chinese companies have seen in the IPL, which is the best T20 league in the world."

Asked about the Chinese sponsorship in IPL teams, Wadia said: "The teams too should be given time to replace their Chinese sponsors. As I said, there are enough Indian companies which can replace them."

Wadia also welcomed the Indian government's decision to ban Chinese apps citing national security.

"If India plays its card right, it can really be the superpower it desires to be," he observed.

"Personally I don't like to buy Chinese products because they are sub-standard. The focus has to be on making Indian and buying Indian. China produces such large volumes and suffocates the world, it has to stop. We should put all our efforts on making India a manufacturing hub.

"I travel around the country a lot. If we don't stop the influx of cheap Chinese goods and are not firm in what we are doing, Indian manufacturing will die," cautioned Wadia. 
&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Tuesday called for an end to Chinese sponsorships and financial contracts in the Indian Premier League amid the tensions between two countries following the violent clash in eastern Ladakh earlier in June.

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Tuesday called for an end to Chinese sponsorships and financial contracts in the Indian Premier League amid the tensions between two countries following the violent clash in eastern Ladakh earlier in June. Calls for boycotting Chinese products have echoed all around the country after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. Amid the escalating tensions, the BCCI called a meeting of the IPL Governing Council to review Chinese sponsorship in the cash-rich tournament. And on Monday, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps including trending TikTok, ShareIt, WeChat and many others. "We should do it (sever ties with Chinese sponsors in IPL) for the sake of the nation. Country comes first, money is secondary. And it is the Indian Premier League, not the Chinese Premier League. It should lead by example and show the way," Wadia told PTI on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Cricketer Alex Hepburn rape conviction overturned at Court of Appeal We must have all the respect for the nation: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia "Yes it would be difficult to find sponsors initially but I am sure there are enough Indian sponsors who can replace them. We must have all the respect for the nation and our government and most importantly for the soldiers who risk their lives for us," said the known Indian businessman. The face-off between India and China was the biggest confrontation between the two countries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers whereas China lost over 300 soldiers. Chinese mobile maker Vivo is the title sponsor of IPL and pays Rs 440 crore to the BCCI for the five-year-deal ending in 2022. The likes of Paytm, Swiggy, Dream11 – all have Chinese investments and are involved in the IPL. ALSO READ: Hafeez, Riaz among six Pakistan players cleared to tour England after negative COVID-19 tests Wadia has cleared his part out and other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, said they will follow government orders. "It will be tough to replace them initially but if it has to be done for the sake of the nation, we should do it," a CSK source told PTI. Another team owner said: "Let the government decide first, whatever they decide, we will follow". Wadia is also of the view that BCCI needs to find an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season while adding it is not right to wait government’s directives. Indian companies need to step up: Ness Wadia "If I was the BCCI president, I would say find me an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season. "Indian companies need to step up and see the same benefits and opportunities that Chinese companies have seen in the IPL, which is the best T20 league in the world." Asked about the Chinese sponsorship in IPL teams, Wadia said: "The teams too should be given time to replace their Chinese sponsors. As I said, there are enough Indian companies which can replace them." Wadia also welcomed the Indian government's decision to ban Chinese apps citing national security. "If India plays its card right, it can really be the superpower it desires to be," he observed. "Personally I don't like to buy Chinese products because they are sub-standard. The focus has to be on making Indian and buying Indian. China produces such large volumes and suffocates the world, it has to stop. We should put all our efforts on making India a manufacturing hub. "I travel around the country a lot. If we don't stop the influx of cheap Chinese goods and are not firm in what we are doing, Indian manufacturing will die," cautioned Wadia.

IPL should cut ties with Chinese sponsors: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia

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. 
&nbsp;

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

There has been a lot of talks surrounding the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the cash-rich tournament stands indefinitely suspended, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on alert following Indian government’s decision to allow the re-opening of sporting complexes and stadia. Rajasthan Royals COOO Jake Lush McCrum has said that he is confident that the IPL 2020 would be conducted later in the year while adding they are preparing for September-November window.&nbsp;

McCrum stated that all the franchises are in constant touch with the Indian board while adding the BCCI is working really hard to find a solution.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-umar-akmal-appeals-against-his-three-year-ban-299735" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Umar Akmal appeals against his three-year ban</a>

"There are a lot of stories&nbsp;in the press, but what I can say based on our conversation with the BCCI is, they are working really hard to find a solution. They are an agile association and can make it happen. We are confident that IPL will happen this year", McCrum said during 'Royal Fans Meet'.

"We are preparing for the September-November window. But nothing has been finalized as of now given the situation at hand. The great thing about BCCI is they have put together the tournament at very short notice as well in South Africa in 2009, they can do it again," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-very-sad-sachin-tendulkar-got-out-at-98-wanted-him-to-slam-ton-against-us-shoaib-akhtar-on-2003-world-cup-match-vs-india-299668" hreflang="en">'Was very sad Sachin Tendulkar got out at 98, wanted him to slam ton against us': Shoaib Akhtar on 2003 World Cup match vs India</a>

BCCI will look to find an alternate window to conduct IPL 2020 and a lot will depend on the future of ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia. However, speculations are rife that the showpiece tournament might get postponed, opening a window for IPL 2020.&nbsp;

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from October 18 to November 15.

There has been a lot of talks surrounding the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the cash-rich tournament stands indefinitely suspended, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on alert following Indian government’s decision to allow the re-opening of sporting complexes and stadia.

There has been a lot of talks surrounding the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the cash-rich tournament stands indefinitely suspended, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on alert following Indian government’s decision to allow the re-opening of sporting complexes and stadia. Rajasthan Royals COOO Jake Lush McCrum has said that he is confident that the IPL 2020 would be conducted later in the year while adding they are preparing for September-November window. McCrum stated that all the franchises are in constant touch with the Indian board while adding the BCCI is working really hard to find a solution. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Umar Akmal appeals against his three-year ban "There are a lot of stories in the press, but what I can say based on our conversation with the BCCI is, they are working really hard to find a solution. They are an agile association and can make it happen. We are confident that IPL will happen this year", McCrum said during 'Royal Fans Meet'. "We are preparing for the September-November window. But nothing has been finalized as of now given the situation at hand. The great thing about BCCI is they have put together the tournament at very short notice as well in South Africa in 2009, they can do it again," he added. ALSO READ: 'Was very sad Sachin Tendulkar got out at 98, wanted him to slam ton against us': Shoaib Akhtar on 2003 World Cup match vs India BCCI will look to find an alternate window to conduct IPL 2020 and a lot will depend on the future of ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia. However, speculations are rife that the showpiece tournament might get postponed, opening a window for IPL 2020. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held from October 18 to November 15.

'Confident that IPL will happen this year, BCCI working hard to find solution': Rajasthan Royals COO Jake McCrum

ipl-2020-news

Ipl 2020 News, News on Ipl 2020 News, stories on Ipl 2020 News, articles on Ipl 2020 News, Ipl 2020 News stories at Wion, Ipl 2020 News news, Ipl 2020 News latest news

ipl 2020-news

Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report

Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units

IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash

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

Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga set to miss first phase of IPL 2020 in UAE

IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals

BCCI announces Dream11 as title sponsor for IPL 2020

From Finch to Maxwell: List of players set to miss first week of IPL 2020

IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik tests positive for COVID-19

Emirates Cricket Board receives official clearance from BCCI to host IPL 2020

WION Exclusive: Sheldon Cottrell on IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab and more

CSK, KKR, DC to carry 'exclusive' net bowlers for IPL 2020 in UAE

IPL 2020: After Vivo's exit, BYJU's and Coca-Cola likely to join race for title sponsorship

IPL 2020: After Vivo's exit, BYJU's and Coca-Cola likely to join race for title sponsorship

Official: BCCI-Vivo suspend partnership for IPL 2020

IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting

EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more

Samson will definitely perform in IPL, have never seen him more focused: Coach Biju George

Exclusive | Excited to play for CSK and under MS Dhoni: Josh Hazlewood

IPL Bio-Bubble: Franchises fret over WAGS, local drivers, security, hospitality

Emirates Cricket Board confirms BCCI Letter of Intent to host the IPL 2020

IPL GC Agenda: Focus on SOPs, broadcasters' demand keeping UAE time in mind

Emirates Cricket Board awaiting final nod from BCCI to host IPL 2020

Is virtual commentary in IPL 2020 possible? Deep Dasgupta explains