IPL 2021 squads to be submitted by Aug 20, teams in a fix: Report

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to resume on September 19, but a lot of the franchises are still unsure about the availability of their players. Several international ties are set to be held before the second phase of the IPL resumes in the UAE. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and bio-bubble restrictions, it will become difficult for the franchises to decide on their squad in advance. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly set a deadline of August 20 for the franchises to submit their final squads.

Cricket Australia and England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have already given a nod to their players to participate in the upcoming IPL. But, the players will have to make the final decision. The second half of the tournament is still a month away, but the franchises may be rushed to finalise their squads before August 20.

One factor that may work in the favour of the franchises is that the T20 World Cup will be held in UAE later this year. Players participating in the World Cup would be keen to get IPL exposure on the same pitches. The T20 World Cup will begin just two days after the IPL final.

None of the international players competing in the IPL will have to serve quarantine but the franchise members and families could face punishment if there is a “bubble breach”.

Before the IPL was halted, 29 matches were held. Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier from Kolkata Knight Riders had tested positive for the virus, forcing the BCCI to press the pause button and move the remainder of the tournament to UAE.

Now the remaining 31 matches will be played in the duration of 27 days with the action beginning with a clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians on September 19.

Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on CSK.

In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah and 8 in Abu Dhabi.