Indian Premier League 2020 set to begin on September 19

Chairman Brijesh Patel hopes to get government clearance soon to hold tournament in UAE

Fans cheer Mumbai Indians against Kolkata Knight Riders during their opening IPL match in Abu Dhabi in April 2014. Ravindranath K / The National

Glenn Maxwell in action for Kings XI Punjab against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Part of the 2014 edition was held in the UAE as India was in the midst of elections. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal became a star with Royal Challengers Bangalore before making a name for himself as an India player. Pawan Singh / The National

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, in IPL action at Abu Dhabi in 2014, continues to knock on the Indian selection committee's doors. Ravindranath K / The National

Kolkata paceman Morne Morkel in action against Rajasthan Royals in Abu Dhabi. The South African took 1-40. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Kolkata captain Gautam Gambhir enjoyed his outing against Mumbai Indians at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

The IPL proved to be a hit throughout the country, judging by fan numbers at the stadiums. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Brijesh Patel announced that this year's tournament will begin on September 19 in the UAE.

The IPL Governing Council is scheduled to meet next week to finalise the schedule. The report said the Indian cricket board has informed the franchises about the plan.

"The Governing Council will meet shortly but we have finalised the schedule. It will run from September 19 to November 8. We expect the government approval to come through. It is a full 51-day IPL," Patel was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India. The tournament is set to end on November 8.

Patel said that 'standard operating procedures' for the tournament are being prepared and the board will formally write to the Emirates Cricket Board soon.

“We are making the SOP and it will be ready in a few days. To allow crowd or not depends on the UAE government. Anyway social distancing has to be maintained. We have left it for their government to decide on that. Will also be writing to the UAE board formally,” Patel said.

IPL got the window to hold its much-delayed 2020 edition after the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to postpone the T20 World Cup in Australia to next year.

The UAE has three major cricket grounds - the Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium - that can host top-level matches.

The report added that the Indian board will look to rent the ICC Academy for training purposes.

Earlier, the Emirates Cricket Board had stated that they will "extend full support" to the IPL if they do opt to switch the tournament to UAE.

“Considering the numbers of Covid cases in UAE is going down, and the situation is becoming more relaxed, we are hopeful that if the BCCI does come to us, at that time we will be one of the safest destinations in the world,” Mubashshir Usmani, the ECB general secretary, said.