The 13th season of the Indian Premier League will commence from March 29, 2020, it was confirmed earlier today. The tournament final will be held on May 24 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The decision was taken at the IPL Governing Council in New Delhi on Monday.
Among the other things discussed, it was also decided that the matches will begin from 8pm IST and not 7.30pm IST, as was being reported. Only six matches will start from 4pm, however, with both franchise owners and broadcasters not in favour of afternoon games, as it means that the office-goers have to often miss the matches.
“There will be no change in the timing of IPL night games. It will start from 8 pm like earlier years. There was discussion about 7:30 pm but it’s not happening,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told reporters after the meeting. “We will have only five doubleheaders (4 pm and 8 pm) this time. IPL final will be held in Mumbai.”
The biggest news, however, remains the introduction of the concussion substitute and having a third umpire to monitor no-balls during deliveries. “The concussion substitute and the no ball rule are new additions for the season,” Ganguly added.
According to reports in Cricbuzz, Rajasthan Royals might play three home games in Guwahati in the upcoming season of the league.
Ganguly also added that there will be an IPL All-Stars event before the IPL gets underway. He brushed aside the possibility of having the game at the new stadium in Ahmedabad that is expected to house over a lakh spectators, adding that the venue is not yet match ready. “It will be an IPL All Stars Game three days before start of IPL. The venue is not Ahmedabad as it is still not match ready. We have not decided on where we will make the donation,” the former India captain said.
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