Dream11 IPL 2020, the bubble game.

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Greater the set-back, stronger the come-back.

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Along with chasing the target runs, another challenge to the players for the upcoming season of IPL is to fight the ongoing pandemic. Keeping the guidelines in mind, the spectators are not allowed to visit the stadium. Commencing from 19th Sept’20 in UAE, all the cricketers will definitely miss the energy in the stands.

Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar feels, “It will be odd initially to play in empty stadiums as in India the crowd can act as a 12th man for the home team.”

Empty stands
Picture courtesy : Twitter/@iplt20

As a surprise, the franchise officials have decided to flash a pre-recorded video of the audience cheering in the stadium. This will be done so after every boundary is scored and a wicket is lost.

“The stadiums will be empty as everyone is looking to ensure that health protocols and bio-bubble regulations are strictly followed. So, it was decided that while some teams will record the reactions of cheerleaders, which will be played out for every four, six or wicket, other teams have decided to create small videos of fans cheering for them and those will be played out while the cricketers are battling it out in the middle,” the official said to a reporter from ANI.

Nevertheless, the excitement shall keep rising indoors too. Listening to the IPL 2020 Rap/Theme song “Aayenge hum wapas” (We will return) makes an attempt to pump up the energy in all houses which will soon turn into stadiums. The song was sung by rapper KR$NA (real name Krishna Kaul) and composed by Pranav Ajayrao Malpe. It will be inspiring to watch how the players as well as the audience cope up with the new normal.

While the sportsmen have been training rigorously ahead of the 13th edition, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council is working to keep things safe for the teams.

Venue manager Navdeep Arneja stated, “We have created two ovals for both the teams to practice simultaneously. No one from outside will be allowed to go inside and we will ensure that we are in a bubble environment.”

Sanitizing the ground for safety of the players and ground staff is the primary concern
Picture courtesy : Twitter/@AbuDhabiCricket

Due to rapid spread of coronavirus, it is made mandatory for all players and staff to undergo a six-day quarantine after reaching UAE. This ensures safety of other players. As per UAE government, players from all countries also need to furnish a COVID-19 negative certificates.

However, cricketers from England and Austraila are exempted from quarantining because they’re already in a bio-bubble from 4th September. They shall reach UAE via a charter plane on 17th September making them available for the opening matches of their respective teams.

“It is very clear from BCCI SOP that each and every player has to go through quarantine (in UAE). However, the players from England and Australia would already be in a bio-bubble as they would be playing the series there. If they continue to remain in that bio-bubble and we can send a charter plane then they are as secure as other players” explained Sanjeev Churiwala, Chairman of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Virat kohli addressing his team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on a virtual meet.
Picture courtesy : Twitter/@Royal Challengers Bangalore

Playing in front of the home crowd has always been special for it is a moment of pride and enthusiasm. Sadly, this year the matches in the league stage will not be played in the round-robin format because the hosts, I.e. UAE has made only three stadiums functional.

For the league stage, 24 matches will played at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, 20 matches in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium at Abu Dhabi, and the remaining 12 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium located in Sharjah.

The opening match of this IPL season will take place in Abu Dhabi where the defending champions Mumbai Indians will face the runners-up of IPL 2019 Chennai Super Kings.

The action will then shift to Dubai on 20th September where Delhi Capitals will play against Kings Xl Punjab followed by the third match on 21st Sept between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the same venue.

Sharjah will host its first Dream11 IPL 2020 match on 22nd September when Rajasthan Royals will play against Chennai Super Kings.

There will be 10 double-headers, with the first match at 3:30pm (IST) and the second match starting at 7:30 pm (IST) in all cases. The finals are expected to be on 10th November. The venue for the same will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Here is the complete fixture for Dreams11 IPL 2020:

Dream11 IPL 2020 Schedule Part 1
Picture courtesy : IPLT20 official website

Dream11 IPL 2020 Schedule Part 1
Picture courtesy : IPLT20 official website

The Women’s IPL is set to take place between 1st November and 10th November. Due to overlapping with the Big Bash League, the squads, schedule and venue is yet to be announced for WIPL 2020.

Right from the virtual welcome meets, to social distancing norms to being secured in a bio-bubble environment, all the IPL teams are set to begin the chase. Are you too?