06-Sep-2020
Defending champion Mumbai Indians will meet Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 opener on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The IPL Governing Council on Sunday announced the schedule for 13th edition of IPL, which is all set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.
It will be a 53-day event, three days longer than the last two seasons. The matches will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with night matches starting at 7.30pm IST, and afternoon matches at 3.30pm IST. In all Abu Dhabi will host 20 round-robin games, Dubai 24, and Sharjah 12. Venues for the playoffs and the final will be announced later.
The tournament was originally scheduled to commence on 29 March 2020, but was suspended until 15 April due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Fantasy cricket league platform Dream11 has been named title sponsors rights with the bid of Rs 222 crore. Dream11 became new sponsor On 18 August after VIVO pulled out on 4 August.
As many as eight teams would compete in this edition of the IPL. Other six teams are: Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Matches will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai; Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah and Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.