IPL 2021: CSK awaiting approval to land in UAE on August 13

Cricket fans worldwide must have marked their calendars as the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to get underway on September 19. The remaining matches of the season will be played in UAE and for the preparations, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) side was planning to leave for Dubai on Wednesday (August 13). However, as per the latest developments, the franchise is yet to receive permission from the UAE Authorities to land in UAE.

Owing to the same, the Chennai-based side might have to alter its plans. It was learnt that several CSK team members and crew were serving quarantine in Chennai to become eligible for traveling. However, the approval issues might dent their plans. Nevertheless, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan is confident of receiving approval by Wednesday.

We are yet to receive permission from UAE government: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

“We need approval from the UAE government to land there and that is something we are waiting for, we are yet to receive that”, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by Inside Sports.

“We need approval from the UAE government to land there and that is something we are waiting for. Our crew is already in quarantine as per the SOP and everyone is ready. The BCCI is looking to get us the approval and we are hoping to get the green signal by tomorrow,” he added.

Meanwhile, CSK, who failed to qualify for playoffs last season, enjoyed a gala time in the initial half of this year’s competition. MS Dhoni’s men were on a roll and they registered one scintillating win after another. While their batters did a brilliant job, there weren’t many shortcomings in their bowling attack.

As a result, the Men in Yellow won five of their first seven games and were holding second place in the team standings at the time of the season suspension. Notably, they need just three wins in their remaining seven league-stage games to secure a berth in the playoffs without any hassle. Hence, the UAE leg has a lot in prospect for MS Dhoni’s men. However, the three-time champions must not be complacent with the tournament being in its latter stage.