The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to make it’s much-awaited
return, if not grand. The IPL has always been one of the most sought-after tournaments
but the 2020 edition of the tournament that will be played in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) will lack grandeur as the game won’t be the same. For starters,
the tournament, which was shifted out of India due to the coronavirus pandemic,
will witness empty stands.

Here is the list of things that will be different in this
year’s IPL:

Empty stands

Unlike the previous versions of the event, the stadium won’t
be filled with crowds cheering on for their favorite teams as the empty stands
will be used for outdoor strategy meetings in order to maintain social
distancing.

No toss mascot

IPL 2020 won’t feature any toss mascot as the captains will
not be walking out with team sheets, in order to maintain the social
distancing. For a first, electronic team sheets will be considered.

No pre-match or post-match handshakes

There will be no pre-match or post-match handshakes among players
or umpires, according to BCCI’s SOP there should no contact between players.
So, the sight of players hanging out with each other before or after the match
will be missed.

Kin access restricted

The players’ families or support staff that will be
traveling with them won’t be allowed to travel on the team bus and leaving the
bio bubble is a strict no-go for them.

Introduction of new devices

The SOP also states that franchises might install
“Scalene Hypercharge Corona Canon (Shycocan), a device that has the
ability to neutralise 99.9% of the coronavirus that might be floating in
the air in closed spaces.”

Casual attire is a no-go

When a player is injured on the field, we won’t see the team physios
and masseurs running out in half-pant or jersey. They will have to be in proper
PPE kits.

No celebrity presence

Bollywood celebrities coming out to support their respective
teams will not be the usual case anymore. In case of any breach, they will have
to quarantine for seven days and return with two negative PCR tests to re-enter
the bio-secure environment.

Different hotel for teams

The franchise teams will be put up in different hotels, so
the players will not be able to interact with each other. Also, the room will
be separate, and the food is to be ordered individually, thus avoiding common
dining areas.

The IPL 2020 will be played in the UAE, starting
from September 19 and the final will be played on November 10.