IPL 2020: Sourav Ganguly Finally Reveals The Date For Schedule Announcement

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has finally revealed the date for the announcement of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). All the teams are already in UAE and despite just over a fortnight remaining before the start of the competition, the BCCI is yet to release the full schedule.

Last month, the Indian cricket board had announced that IPL 2020 will be played from September 19 to November 10. However, it has not been able to prepare the full schedule for the competition thus far. Well, the schedule will be finally released on Friday (September 4).

“We understand schedules are delayed. It is almost on the verge of getting final and should be released by Friday,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by ABP news.

It was expected that the opening encounter of the tournament could be held between defending champions Mumbai Indians and 2019 runners up Chennai Super Kings. However, things went haywire with 13 members of the CSK camp, including two players, testing positive for COVID-19.

There was speculation that CSK might not play the opener, although CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said the team would be ready to play the opener if required. Recent reports have suggested that either Sunrisers Hyderabad or Royal Challengers Bangalore could play the tournament-opener against Mumbai Indians.

There were also reports that IPL’s start could be delayed due to the recent coronavirus cases. However, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has quashed all the speculations and confirmed that the tournament would start as planned.

“The IPL will take place as scheduled; there is no doubt about that. Don’t worry, players are following the COVID-19 protocols and matches will be played without spectators. So, I don’t think there will be any problem with that,” Dhumal told IANS.

“IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel is also there in the UAE and he is working on it. The ECB (Emirates Cricket Board) is helping us in all the way possible. Just hope for the best,” he added.

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