IPL governing council confirms UAE dates, still waiting for government clearance

Tournament to run from September 19 to November 10 in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi

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

The IPL will take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, subject to final government approval in both countries.

“Taking note of the prevailing Covid-19 situation in India, the IPL [governing council] decided to stage the tournament in the UAE,” Jay Shah, the honorary secretary for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, said.

“The matches will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi subject to necessary clearances from the government of India.”

The competition will conclude on Tuesday, November 10. That is nine days before the scheduled start of the Abu Dhabi T10 league.

The IPL was due to take place in March, but was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

When the T20 World Cup – which had been due to be played in October and November – was postponed earlier this month, it accelerated the IPL's decision to reschedule, and move the competition to the UAE.

The Emirates Cricket Board have said they are already planning for the competition, while Sunday’s general council meeting rubber stamped the switch.

The competition is set to involve Covid-19 replacements. Also, the English firm who oversaw the biosecurity planning for the English international matches this summer are said to be engaged to assist with a similar operation for the IPL.

The 53-day competition will have 10 afternoon fixtures, starting at 2pm UAE time, with evening matches starting at 6pm.

“The governing council discussed the comprehensive standard operating procedures, which will be finalised and published in due course, including the agencies to execute and deliver a bio-secure environment for safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 season,” Shah said.