IPL 2020: Teams finalize dates for UAE travel; all the details

With the government officially granting permission to the BCCI, the preparation for the IPL 2020 are now in full swing.  While the final schedule hasn’t been released yet, most franchises have already decided their travel plans. All the sides are expected to reach UAE almost a month prior to the tournament. The teams are expected to leave the country by 22nd or 23rd August.

Tentative travel itinerary of the franchises for the IPL 2020

From all the teams, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are likely to be the first teams to leave for UAE on August 20. Meanwhile, the defending champions Mumbai Indians and last edition’s runner-up Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would leave on August 21. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and the Delhi Capitals haven’t finalized a date yet, but they are expected to leave on August 21st or 22nd. The Hyderabad-based franchise – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) haven’t decided on their travel dates yet.

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are likely to be the last team to fly out to UAE. They are expected to leave from Bengaluru in the last week of August, expectedly on 22nd August or 23rd. However, RCB players are expected to reach Bangalore this week to stay in the quarantine. Also, the defending champions Mumbai Indians have already started their testing phase. A set of their players and support staff is already going through quarantine and Covid-19 tests in Mumbai. However, it is yet to be confirmed Rohit Sharma alongside Zaheer Khan is a part of this group.

CSK planning a short camp in India before leaving for UAE for IPL 2020

Chennai Super Kings, who also tried to leave for UAE early for preparations, are now planning a short preparation camp for the Indian players in Chennai. Skipper MS Dhoni is also likely to be a part of the group of 15 Indian players in this camp. However, they are still waiting for permission from the Tamil Nadu government.

We want to have a camp in Chennai from August 16 till 20th. We have applied to the Tamil Nadu government for permission. Orally they have said yes, but we have still not got the written letter of approval. If the written approval comes we are planning for a camp for the Indian players alone,

said, the CSK Chief Executive Officer Kasi Viswanathan.

He also went on to confirm that all players will be tested for Covid-19 before travelling to Chennai. All players will again be tested again twice on 17th and 18th August.