IPL 2020: Emirates Cricket Board Working Closely With Government To Have Fan Attendance
Aug 21, 2020 at 11:10 AM
The IPL 2020 hosts, Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) are working closely to have expressed their desire to bring spectators to the stands. The COVID-19 hit phase of cricket has seen no audience in attendance yet. The ECB, however, think it may be possible and are working closely with the UAE government to bring the fans back to the stadium.
If they get an affirmative nod from the UAE government they will further inquire BCCI for their requirements . The IPL 2020 will begin from September 19 till November 10 — a total 53-day campaign will see all the eight teams play in UAE. The venue this time is UAE and matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah respectively.
We Want Sports-Loving Fans In The UAE To Be Able To Watch The Action From The Stands: ECB General Secretary
ECB General Secretary Mubashshir Usmani has confirmed that the board is working closely with the government for the approval of all the protocols — to be followed for the conduct of IPL 2020, which also includes fan attendance.
“As hosts, Emirates Cricket Board will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed. This includes fan attendance, we will then discuss with the BCCI to assess their spectator requirements. We want our Asian diaspora, as well as the other expat and Emirati sports-loving fans in the UAE to be able to watch the action from the stands.” ECB General Secretary Mubashshir Usmani told Cricketnext
Covid-19 Test Every 5 Days For Players
The BCCI has set protocols for the players and support staff’s safety that are needed to be followed strictly by everyone involved in the tournament. The players will be tested for COVID-19, every five days. The UAE government will be providing their set of protocols soon.
The BCCI has prepared an elaborate SOP for all franchises to ensure safety during the tournament. Players will be tested every fifth day during the IPL. During the first week in the UAE, the players and team officials will not be allowed to meet each other in the hotel and they can only do so after they test negative thrice.
“The UAE government too will provide the boards with a ‘UAE safety guidelines’. The authorities will provide both us and the BCCI with the UAE safety guidelines in a timely manner which the teams and officials will follow. The SOP surrounding the arrangements are currently being prepared by these experts and once the authorities provide us with the finalized guidelines we can implement.” he added.
The IPL 2020 will begin from September 19 till November 10, a total 53-day campaign will see all the eight teams play in UAE.
The day matches will be played at 15:30 IST and the evening matches at 19:30 IST. The tournament was originally scheduled to kick off from March 29 was postponed indefinitely after April 15 due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the nation.