Report: IPL 13 Could Start From September 19, With 07:30 PM Starts

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League [IPL] could start from September 19 instead of September 26.

The BCCI had zeroed in on the September 26-November 07 window for the cash-rich league but according to reports in Times of India, host broadcaster Star Sports isn’t too happy to forego the Diwali weekend [November 14].

Thus the apex body is likely to provide an option to Star, which includes beginning the IPL on September 19 and subsequently reducing the evening games. The night games are slated to start at 07:30 PM IST.

Earlier, Brijesh Patel, IPL governing council chairperson, had confirmed to ESPNCricinfo that the 13th edition of the cash-rich league will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

“It will be held in the UAE but first the board will seek permission from the Indian government to stage it there,” Patel told ESPNcricinfo.

Also Read: India To Play T20I Series Against South Africa Before IPL 2020: Report

IPL set to return to the UAE after 5 years

Patel also said that the governing council will be meeting in the next few days to finalize the details.

“The dates have not been finalised as yet and will be decided at the (next) IPL GC, which will be held in the next seven or ten days.” he said

He also confirmed that all the three venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah will host the event but when asked if fans will be allowed to go to the stadium, Patel said ‘it all depends on the UAE government’.

The 13th edition of the marquee T20 League was supposed to take place in India between March 29-May 24 but the tournament had to be postponed due to the proliferation of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent global lockdown. This is not the first time that the tournament will take place in the United Arab Emirates. Back in 2o14, one half of the tournament was staged in the gulf.

Also Read: I Haven’t Committed A Crime, Says Jofra Archer As He Reveals He Suffered Racist Abuse After Breaching Protocol