Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, IPL-13 will be played in the United Arab Emirates this year from September 19 to November 10. Here’s everything you need to know about the BCCI’s IPL 2020 guidelines.
After the official announcement of the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL 2020 will take place in Dubai between September-November this year after taking the note of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India. Amid the concerns of a spike in Coronavirus cases, no spectators will be allowed in the stadiums, and the matches will be held behind closed doors.
IPL 2020 opening match will be played between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on September 19, 2020, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE. IPL 2020 Final match will be played on November 10 2020. The 53-day tournament will have afternoon matches and evening matches starting at 15:30 IST & 19:30 IST respectively.
BCCI laid down some SOPs for IPL 2020, a 16-page document with detailed guidelines to ensure the safety of players and support staff during the tournament. The guidelines also talk in detail about the training and matchday routines, which will be the new normal in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
For Players & Staff: The players and team support staff need to undergo at least five mandatory Covid-19 PCR tests before even entering the bio-secure environment in the UAE and undergo a test every 5th day during the tournament. They also have to undergo daily temperature checks and answer health questionnaires. The players will be allowed to train & compete, only if they have a normal temperature.
Matchday rules: No facemasks need to be worn on the field. Players and support staff should always wear a face mask outside the player and match officials' area. Players can sit in the dugouts but only in designated seats which are 'widely and separated'. For the toss, electronic team sheets will be handed instead of captains exchanging printed sheets.
As per the ICC guidelines for handling cricket balls during IPL, players cannot apply saliva on the ball in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. All should perform regular hand washing and hand sanitization.
Post-match routines: There is no customary handshake allowed between teams after the match, while players and support staff have been advised against taking showers at the stadiums. The post-match presentation ceremony will be organized while maintaining social distancing norms.
IPL is back, and the preparation for the upcoming season is in full swing, keeping in mind the COVID-19 imposed restrictions and safety guidelines. BCCI’s safety protocols highlight all the precautionary measures that must be adhered to by the players, support staff & franchises during the tournament both on and off-field.
