Things started clearing out as the IPL Governing Council officially confirms September 19 as the launch date with clearances from UAE government. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday confirmed that the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held from September 19 to November 10th.
The organisers of the most awaited tournament which initially postponed in the view of the pandemic are now all set for the 53-day window. Sources revealed that the organisers have made certain crucial changes for the first time ever since 13 years of launch.
While IPL 2020 will be played across all 3 venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, in UAE, here are the few crucial changes likely to be made for this edition,
1. For the first time ever, the final match is being held on a weekday i.e, on Tuesday before the Diwali weekend
2. IPL this time will not have Cheering audience in the podiums. No crowd will be allowed at UAE stadiums. However, the organisers are contemplating over allowing limited audience from midway.
3. All evening matches in IPL 2020 will have a new start time- 7:30 pm IST
If a player is unwell due to the novel coronavirus, he can be replaced during the course of the tournament
4. Each team will be allowed to bring a squad not more than 24 members including the coach
Top medical professionals will be made available 24*7
5. There has been a sharp backlash over BCCI retaining Chinese sponsors while the final decision is likely to be taken after meeting with the Franchises on Monday
6. Women’s T20 Challenge will also take place refrained to four matches to be played during the IPL Playoff week
