Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chalked out basic plans for the commencement of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 from 19 September in United Arab Emirates (UAE) behind the close doors. The league has been shifted to a foreign land because of the rising COVID-19 cases in India.
Earlier, the 13th edition of IPL was scheduled to start on 29th March with the match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings but the whole plan was white-washed because of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Amid the crises, BCCI will have to add new rules to secure the safety of players. IPL chairman Brijesh Patel has informed that the Indian board is drafting the whole plan for the smooth running of the cash-rich league.
“Once we share what we do with the franchises, we know there will be questions. We need to be thoroughly prepared,” Brijesh Patel, IPL Governing Council Chairman, told Times Of India.
On Monday, BCCI shared their plans in UAE with TOI:
Bio-secure environment:
England and Wales Cricket Board have perfectly set the example of creating a bio-secure environment as they hosted the bilateral series against West Indies at home.
Similarly, the IPL teams are supposed to create their bio-secure bubble beyond which the players and support staff will not be allowed to interact. The IPL match officials, the BCCI, the broadcasters and the IMG staff will also create these bubbles.
Travel and accommodation:
BCCI has instructed the franchise to arrange travel and accommodation services in the UAE on their own. However, the board will coordinate with UAE authorities to ensure “discounted hotel rates” for the franchises.
Revenue Pools:
Although the whole IPL is compressed in 51 days, there will be no change in the revenue-sharing concept between the BCCI and the IPL teams.
Gate Money:
As the league will be played without spectators in the stadium, Board has opined to not give any compensation to franchises, stating that revenue generated from selling tickets is pittance.
Medical assistance:
Every IPL franchise will have to appoint a medical staff who will coordinate with BCCI’s medical team on a 24 x 7 basis. Every franchise’s medical team will stay with the team in their bio-secure bubble.
Player’s replacement:
The franchise will be free to travel with extra-players to avoid the last-minute travel. Further, there is no change in the player policy.
On Saturday (August 1), the IPL’s Governing Council will meet where they will discuss the draft of the whole plan. Following which, IPL franchise owners, broadcasters and central sponsors, will also take part in a meeting that is scheduled for Sunday (August 02) and Monday (August 03).