Phase II of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to resume from September 19. Meanwhile, the final of the 14th edition will be played on October 15. Earlier, the BCCI had suspended the tournament due to a spike in coronavirus cases inside IPL's bio-bubble.
Speaking to news agency ANI, a BCCI official has confirmed the dates for IPL 2021. The official said, "The discussions went really well and with ECB already giving us the oral nod to host the event ahead of the BCCI SGM, it was about closing the deal over the last week. The first game after the season resumes will be held on September 19 while we will have the final on October 15. The BCCI was always keen on a 25-day window to finish the remaining matches."
When asked about the situation regarding the availability of foreign players, the official said, "The discussions have started and we are keeping fingers crossed that the foreign players will be mostly available. If a couple of them do not manage to turn up, we shall then decide on the future course of action. But keeping fingers crossed for now and hoping to have an action-packed end to the 14th edition in UAE."
The IPL Franchisees are also confident that BCCI will engage in positive discussions with foreign boards and players will be available for the remaining matches. Let us tell you that IPL was organized in India in April-May amid the second wave of Coronavirus. However, it had to be postponed in early May after a spike coronavirus cases inside IPL's bio-bubble.