The Indian Premier League’s Governing Council on Sunday decided to retain all its sponsors, including Chinese mobile company VIVO, and approved COVID-19 substitutions in the event to be held in UAE this year from September 19 to November 10 at three venues Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi subject to government approval, which is expected in the next couple of days.
The 53-day tournament will witness 10-afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST while the evening matches will start at 19:30 IST, stated a release from the BCCI.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is still being prepared but there would be any number of COVID replacements this year.As IPL title sponsor, VIVO pays around Rs 440 crore per year, a five-year deal that ends in 2022. It would have been difficult for the Board to get new sponsors at a short notice given the current financially difficult climate.In another major decision, the IPL GC also approved the women’s IPL which will also take place in the UAE and will comprise three teams with four matches to be played during the IPL Playoff week stated the Board’s press release.
The final will be played on November 10 as it enters the Diwali week making it lucrative for the broadcasters,the IPL GC member said.SOP will be handed over to franchises in next 7 to 10 days.
