IPL 2020: BCCI receives permission from Sports Ministry; Final to take place on November 10

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to be played from September 19 to November 10. The date of the final was earlier reported to be November 8 but it will now be played on a weekday for the first time in 13 years to utilise Diwali week. The decision was taken in the BCCI‘s all-important Governing Council meet on Sunday where it was also decided to start evening matches at 7:30 PM IST.

Also, 10 double headers will be played this year to ensure enough space between the games given the travelling restrictions and strict protocols in place. The schedule, however, is yet to be finalised and the board is expected to release the SOPs for the franchises soon.

“We have decided to go up till November 10 and so the final will be held on a weekday for the first time. Also, to ensure that there are enough gaps between games considering the travelling and the bio secure environment and keeping all these things in mind, we will have 10 double headers this season,” an official was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Franchises asked to start visa process

Meanwhile, the BCCI has also asked the franchises to start with the visa process. When it came to allowing the fans in the stadium to watch the matches, the official stated that the final decision will be taken after consulting with the Emirates Cricket Board.

“We have decided to bring it forward by 30 minutes from the regular time of the IPL which is 8 p.m. for evening games and we will start at 7:30 instead. It would be great to have some fans come in as that would boost the morale of the players for sure. But what needs to be remembered is that the safety of the players is priority. So, these are things we will discuss with the ECB at the right time.

“Franchises have also been asked to start the visa process. “We have been asked to start our visa process,” the official further said. Moreover, the Sports Ministry has given the required permission to the BCCI to move the tournament to the UAE and the board is hopeful that rest of the departments will also give a go-ahead.

“The BCCI is also optimistic of getting the complete go-ahead from the government in the coming week to move the tournament to UAE. The BCCI has received clearance from the Sports Ministry and we are hopeful of a positive response from the other departments quite soon as well,” the official added