IPL 2021 likely to start between September 18 and 20 in UAE; final on October 9 or 10

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will tentatively start around September 18 in the UAE. BCCI is reportedly eyeing a three-week window to finish the remaining 31 matches of the tournament. IPL was suspended indefinitely on May 4 due to positive COVID cases inside the bio-bubble and since then, the Indian board was actively looking for a window amidst the packed international schedule.

A BCCI official, on the condition of anonymity, has stated that the final could be played on October 9 or 10 while as many as 10 double-headers could take place. Moreover, it is understood that the BCCI has also spoken to the stakeholders and it is indeed a win-win situation for them.

“The BCCI has spoken to all the stakeholders and the likely start could be between September 18th to 20th. Since September 18 is a Saturday and 19 a Sunday, it is more likely that you would want a re-start it on a weekend date. Similarly, October 9th or 10th will be final as it’s a weekend,” the official said according to the Times of India.

“We are finalising the itinerary and there will be 10 double-headers and seven evening matches along with four main games (2 qualifiers, 1 eliminator and 1 final), which completes the list of 31 matches,” the official added.

Team India and England players will fly from Manchester and Dubai on September 15

The five-match Test series between India and England will end on September 14 in Manchester. IPL-bound players from both the teams will travel from Manchester to Dubai in the same charter flight on September 15 for a bubble to bubble transfer.

“The Indian team and the English players who will be available will fly in the same charter flight from Manchester to Dubai. Similarly, the West Indies players will also fly in after completing the CPL engagements. There will be three-day quarantine for players arriving from UK and Caribbean,” the official further said.

To add to the report, even a franchise official has confirmed that the BCCI has communicated to the teams about the resumption dates. “We have been told by the BCCI to be ready for the tournament. We have been given a September 15 to 20 window,” he said.