MI vs CSK to kickoff UAE leg of IPL 2021 in Dubai
Defending champions Mumbai Indians will face two-time winners Chennai Super Kings in the second leg of the 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) which will begin from September 19 onwards in the UAE. The league was suspended in May this year owing to a rise in coronavirus cases in India. As per the schedule released by the BCCI on Sunday, the Dubai International Stadium will stage 13 matches including the first qualifier and the final, Sharjah will host 10 matches including the Eliminator and the second qualifier and the remaining 8 matches will be held in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament was suspended in May after multiple COVID-19 cases were reported in its bio-bubble.
"The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the pandemic, will resume on 19th September in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians," said the BCCI in a statement.
A total number of 31 matches will be played in the duration of 27 days including seven doubles headers (five were held in India).
IPL 2021 schedule
After the CSK-MI clash, the action will shift to Abu Dhabi where the Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
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.
"There will be 7 double headers (5 matches already played in India – total of 12 matches) with the first match starting at 3:30PM IST (2:00PM Gulf Standard Time). All evening matches will start at 7:30PM IST (6:00PM Gulf Standard Time)," added the statement.
The final league game will be played between RCB and Delhi Capitals on October 8.
The first Qualifier will be played in Dubai on October 10, the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will be played in Sharjah on October 11 and 13 respectively with Dubai hosting the final on October 15.
The 2020 edition was held in the UAE in its entirety due to the pandemic.
