The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is all ready to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Initially, the 13th edition of the lucrative league was supposed to begin from March 29, but due to deadly COVID-19, the exciting tournament got postponed.
After the postponement of the T20 World Cup, IPL 13 got a new window as BCCI shifted the league to United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to the significant spread of the coronavirus in India. All the matches will be conducted at three venues, namely Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
Now, the IPL’s Governing Council will meet on Saturday (August 01). The meeting will be held via teleconference.
After this assembly, the primary stakeholders, including IPL franchise owners, broadcasters and central sponsors, will also take part in a meeting which is scheduled for Sunday (August 02) and Monday (August 03). The BCCI and the Governing Council are believed to be working on the drafts currently.
“Once we share what we do with the franchises, we know there will be questions. We need to be thoroughly prepared,” Brijesh Patel, IPL Governing Council Chairman, told Times Of India.
The BCCI also shared their plans for UAE with TOI on Monday, which looks like this:
Bio-Secure Environment
The IPL teams are supposed to create their bio-secure bubble beyond which the players and support staff will not be allowed to interact. A similar bubble will also be created for the IPL match officials, the BCCI, the broadcasters and the IMG staff. Nobody will be allowed to interact with individuals outside their bubble except through pre-appointed coordinators.
Revenue Pools
There will be no change in the revenue-sharing concept between the BCCI and the IPL teams.
Gate Money
The franchises won’t get any compensation from the BCCI for the loss of Gate Money (ticket revenue).
Travel & accommodation
All the IPL teams will have to arrange the travel and accommodation-related arrangement in UAE. However, the apex body will coordinate with UAE authorities to ensure “discounted hotel rates” for the franchises.
Medical assistance
All the IPL teams will have to arrange their own medical team. Apart from that, BCCI will have a central medical team as well. Once players & support staff land in UAE, franchisees would be responsible for testing. And they have to remain in contact with the BCCI’s central medical team throughout the competition.
Player replacement & loaning
The franchises will be free to travel with extra players as there will be no change in the existing player policy.
