The Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) is just 20 days away and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has still not finalized the schedule for the IPL that starts form September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi both have separate protocols related to Covid-19. There are travel restrictions as well between the two cities. While entering Abu Dhabi, one has to undergo mandatory rapid tests. Only after a negative test one can cross the border.

Such strict procedures cannot work for the teams on a match day that is the reason BCCI is yet to declare the schedule for the IPL 2020.

At this stage out of total 56 group games in IPL 2020, 21 will be played in Dubai, 21 in Abu Dhabi, and 14 in Sharjah.

Currently there are no restrictions to travel to Sharjah from Dubai. So BCCI may decide to play the entire first leg of IPL 2020 in Dubai and Sharjah.

The second leg may comprise of games only in Abu Dhabi which is 130 kms from Dubai and for the play-offs and finals teams can again return to Dubai.

The final decision in this regard will be taken after IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel and Hemang Amin meet various officials of UAE government. Post these meetings the final course of action will be decided.

Currently with an exception of Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, 6 other IPL teams are based in Dubai. Both MI and KKR have Abu Dhabi as their base. In case BCCI decides to opt for games only in Dubai in the first leg, then both will be required to move their base to Dubai from Abu Dhabi.

BCCI will request some some relaxations on protocols for smooth travel of IPL teams between the cities. If that does not happen, BCCI will opt for the two separate legs for IPL 2020. In any case, it is expected that the Indian board will release the schedule before the end of this week.

Some of the players are concerned with the weather. The humidity doesn’t really drop in the evening. The wind is warm; just that the sun disappears around 7.30 pm. The cash rich league will commence from Sep 19th with final to be played in November 10.