IPL Start Date: Season to resume on September 19, final on October 15

The speculated re-scheduling September-October window for the 14^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has finally been cemented by the BCCI officials. The second phase of IPL 2021 that is to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume on September 19 and culminate on October 15.

IPL 2021 was abruptly suspended by the officials on May 4 after many positive Covid 19 cases were reported from franchises camps. The Covid infection penetrated the bio-bubbles primarily because of the hosting of the tournament across six different cities in India that promoted players and staff to travel, increasing their exposure to the environment manifolds.

Three venues in UAE to host remaining IPL matches

In the knowledge acquired from ANI, the meeting between BCCI and Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) went well. In fact, the apex body of cricket in India- BCCI is assertive in successfully hosting the remaining matches of the IPL 2021 in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. The Board hosted the previous IPL edition at the same venues.

“The discussions went really well and with ECB already giving us the oral nod to host the event ahead of the BCCI SGM, it was about closing the deal over the last week. The first game after the season resumes will be held on September 19 while we will have the final on October 15. The BCCI was always keen on a 25-day window to finish the remaining matches,” the official said.

Deliberating on the availability of overseas players in the second leg of the tournament, the board said it is in close liaison with foreign cricket boards and is hopeful to see their participation. In case things don’t sprout as planned, the board will take a suitable course of action then.

Also read: IPL 2021: Pat Cummins to miss second leg of tournament in UAE?

IPL 2021 Phase 1- a cursory look

Before the indefinite suspension of IPL 2021 mid-way in May, all the teams had played half of their league matches. Except for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBK) who played eight matches, the other teams clashed in seven contests.

Also read: Aaron Finch tells how Australian players can play in phase 2 of IPL 2021

The abruptly-ended tournament folded with the following points table:

As the tournament will resume later in the UAE, a total of 31 matches will be played over a period of nearly 25 days.

Also read: IPL 2021: BCCI’s stand for players who will miss phase 2 of tournament