Many sporting events taking place over the coming months are going to have a very different feel to them. This is not ideal, but the key to focus on is that we do have a sport of some description to enjoy.
After being postponed back in April, we now have a date for when the 2020 edition of this great tournament will take place and where it will happen.
The tournament will kick off on September 19 while the final will take place on November 8. That gives the tournament a slightly smaller window than normal and because of that, we have 10 doubleheaders listed on the schedule, to give fans back to back games to enjoy.
Another change is where games are going to be played. Everything is moving to the UAE after it was deemed impossible for the games to be played inside India, even from just a couple of venues.
Games will be played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah throughout the tournament, while all players will potentially be living in bubbles throughout to ensure no issues regarding positive tests are had.
Could an IPL Bubble Work?
We have seen many leagues and competitions around the world use bubbles to ensure they can play. Sports such as the NBA and NHL in America have relocated to areas and used bubbles, the kind of plan that the IPL would like to use.
Players are tested regularly before they go, and when clear they are allowed to enter the bubble. Assuming no breaches of the bubble either in or out, there should be no way of the virus getting inside the bubble.
It is also the model that has been used in England while they have been hosting the West Indies and Pakistan in test matches. We have seen breaches by players there, but so far these bubbles appear to be working well and allowing the game of cricket to move forward.
With this in place, the players should feel safe and fans will be able to watch the action and cheer on their teams, albeit from a distance. The IPL is the biggest T20 league in the world, and it won’t just be people from India excited to see this tournament take place.
It is also a very popular league for betting on. There are many options for sports betting in India, allowing fans to wager on the games taking place, bet on their own team or bet on others they think will win. With T20 cricket offering a fast-paced version of the game, many casual sports fans are attracted to this league, one that is known for bringing excitement.
The good news is that it seems we are on the verge of seeing the 2020 IPL take place. The plans are in place and now need to be carried out. Things will look different, but at a time like this, having some form of cricket, even though we can’t attend, is better than none.
