The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally confirmed the schedule of the 2020 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament is slated to begin from September 19 and the final, for the first time in 13 years, will be played on a weekday – November 10 (Tuesday).
The apex cricketing body has released strict protocols to ensure the safety of players and staff from contracting the deadly virus. The cricketers will be residing in a bio-secure environment after reaching UAE.
One question that must be hovering over the minds of players is whether the family members will be allowed or not to accompany them to UAE.
In IPL, the closed ones are often spotted in the stands, waving the franchise flags and cheering joyously for the player and his team.
But, is it possible when the world is going through an unprecedented crisis?
As much as the fans and players, even the franchises are eager to know the answer to the question above. And so, the franchises have sought clarity from BCCI in this regard.
“Some of the franchises have shortlisted top hotels (mostly Dubai) and for travel, Chartered flights are being booked and we are likely to travel to UAE after August 20,” a source told ANI.
“Players and support staff have been informed of tentative plans and dates. But we seek clarity on the travel of family members as few franchises are worried as it won’t be safe and they want written clarification from BCCI. We are looking to stay in Dubai and will fly after August 20,” the source added.
The 53-day tournament will see ten double-headers and the matches will start half an hour earlier than the usual time-frame.
The franchise source, on the condition of anonymity, remarked further that the teams couldn’t decide until they get clear, written guidelines from the apex body.
“BCCI may have left travel of family to us (franchises) but we can’t decide on it without understanding the SOP. Clarity is most important on this aspect and should be in written form BCCI.”
“Franchises meeting is likely to be held in a couple of days in which these issues will be discussed but as of now no confirmation on the meeting date is made yet,” the source added further.
