The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday sent the letter of acceptance to the Emirates Cricket Board expressing their willingness to host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League in the UAE.
The 60 matches will be held at three venues --- Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
According to The Telegraph’s sources, the letter, sent by IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel, mentioned that the tournament would be held from September 19 to November 8/10 but was subject to government approval.
“It has also been mentioned that the eight franchises will hold their preparatory camp in the UAE and have requested for necessary arrangements to be made in a bio-secure environment,” a source said.
The IPL governing council is expected to meet this week to finalise the fixtures and discuss other related issues.
A few council members along with franchise representatives are also expected to conduct a recce in the UAE early next month. The Standard Operating Procedures for the franchises and the players are likely to be released after the visit.
Meanwhile, the Australia and England players will be available to the franchises only after September 16 because the final ODI of their series will get over on that day at Old Trafford.
But the uncertainty still persists over the South African players because of the lockdown in that country. The South African players are unlikely to participate in the Caribbean Premier League, which starts on August 18.