All about the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) in the UAE

• Schedule
• Match timings
• Squads

It’s time for cricket fans around the world to rejoice as the world’s premier T20 franchise, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is making its way back to the UAE in 2021! The tournament had started in India earlier this year; however, it had to be postponed due to the increasing COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), after key considerations, have decided to hold the remaining 2021 edition in the UAE. So fans of cricket can look forward to some exciting action starting from 19th September 2021.

THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2021

Since its inception, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become the most popular and lucrative T20 league globally, attracting leading international stars to play for city-based teams. For the last 13 years, the Indian league was played during March and April. However, due to the COVID-19 crisis, in 2020, it was played at the end of the year in the UAE.

IPL 2021 SCHEDULE 

A total of 31 matches will be played across 27 days. The final will be held on 15th October.

IPL 2021 MATCH TIMINGS

IPL 2021 match timings vary for day and night matches. The day matches will start at 02:00 pm, and the evening matches commenced at 06:00 pm.

Since Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium will be hosting some thrilling contests.

IPL 2021 SQUADS

The BCCI is working with other cricket boards to ensure top stars’ availability from different countries. Hence, the squads haven’t been announced yet. We will update this article once the final announcements are made.

THE SOPs 

The safety of all participants is of paramount importance for the board hosting the league – Emirates Cricket Board – and the organisers – the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Hence, authorities will enforce strict standard operating procedures SOPs during the tournament. It is expected that a select percentage of fans will be allowed in the stadiums for the matches.

The IPL in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will follow all the necessary measures to ensure the safety of players. The BCCI, last year, ensured that all teams followed stringent guidelines around coronavirus prevention measures. Upon the teams’ arrival, close to 2,000 PCR tests were conducted. Different groups were tested, including players, team management, BCCI staff, IPL operational team, support staff, hotel and ground transport staff. 13 individuals, including two players, tested positive and only joined the team after self-isolating and submitting negative test results.

Mega sports events are slowly returning to the UAE. In June 2021, Abu Dhabi will host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Both tournaments will bring a lot of joy to cricket fans in the country, especially Indian and Pakistani expats. So, if your child is motivated after watching such high-quality cricket, it might be time to enrol him or her in one of the top cricket academies in Dubai. They might be turning out for one of the top franchise teams in the world before you know it!

Similarly, there are some super exciting football tournaments in the UAE which you can attend in the stadium if you have been vaccinated. If you prefer watching sports with your friends, these top sports bars in Dubai have got you covered.

Follow MyBayut to keep up to date regarding all the sporting events taking place in the UAE.