Mumbai Indians to kick off 2nd phase of IPL 2021 against CSK from September 19

New Delhi: When the Indian Premier League (IPL) resumes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings in Dubai on September 19. The Cricket Board of India (BCCI) gave this information on Sunday. The tournament was postponed in May after several cases of Kovid-19 infection were reported in a biologically safe environment.

“The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in view of the pandemic, will resume on September 19 with a blockbuster match between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in Dubai,” the BCCI said in a statement. When the tournament is restored, 31 matches will be played in 27 days. Of this, there will be two matches on day seven (two matches were held in India on day five).

Kolkata Knight Riders will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi after the match between Mumbai and Super Kings. Sharjah will host the first match on September 24 which will be between Bangalore and Super Kings. Overall, there will be 13 matches in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah and eight in Abu Dhabi.

“There will be two matches over seven days, out of which the first match will be played at 3.30 pm IST and the second will be played at 7.30 pm IST,” the statement said. The final league match between Bangalore and Delhi Capitals will be held on October 8. The first qualifier will be played in Dubai on October 10 while the Eliminator will be played in Sharjah on October 11. The second qualifier will be held in Sharjah on October 13. The final will be played on October 15 in Dubai.

The 2020 season of the IPL was played entirely in the UAE due to the pandemic. It has been learned that the quarantine and health rules applicable to everyone entering the UAE will also apply to IPL teams. The tournament is almost certain to be held in an empty stadium once again, at least the initial matches will be held in an empty stadium. The remaining 31 matches of the tournament are to be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Members of the Indian team and players from England participating in the IPL will reach Dubai from Manchester on 15 September in a chartered plane.