New Delhi: The IPL Governing Council on Sunday announced the much-awaited schedule of Indian Premier League 2020 to be held in UAE. The season will kickstart on September 19 in Abu Dhabi with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on three time champion Chennai Super Kings.
Both the teams were originally scheduled to play the opening match of the 2020 season at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 29. But the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown led to the postponement of the tournament.
After the tournament opener, Dubai will host its first game on September 20 (Sunday) with the Delhi Capitals crossing swords with Kings XI Punjab followed by the third match on Monday between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the BCCI said in a statement.
The matches then will shift to Sharjah where Rajasthan Royals will face CSK on September 22. Kolkata Knight Riders will start their campaign with a match against MI next day in Abu Dhabi.
There will be 10 double headers with the first match starting at 3.30 p.m. IST (Indian Standard Time) and the second at 7.30 p.m. IST. Twenty-four matches will be held in Dubai, 20 in Abu Dhabi and 12 in Sharjah.
The tournament will be entirely played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
