CPL 2020: All you need to know about the Caribbean Carnival
Cricket’s biggest party kicks off today (18th August, Tuesday) in Trinidad. The eighth edition of the Caribbean Premier League commences amidst the scare the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first major T20 league to be played after the virus had paused all live cricket. Here’s all you need to know about the exciting tournament.
Which venues will host the tournament?
Due to the pandemic restrictions, all the 33 matches in this year’s CPL shall be played in Trinidad. All the games will take place in the following two grounds – Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain and Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba.
What about the timings?
With increasing Indian interest in the tournament, this year, the timings have been rescheduled to suit the subcontinent. The day matches shall begin at 10:00 AM local time (07:30 PM IST) and 02:15 PM local time (11:45 PM IST). Only 10 out of total 33 matches are day-night which will commence at 3:00 AM IST.
Any changes in the teams?
As usual, six teams will be participating this year. Defending champions Barbados Tridents and runner-ups Guyana Amazon Warriors will put in a strong bid alongside the home team Trinbago Knight Riders. Jamaica Tallawahs have an explosive batting order which will be keenly watched. St Lucia Zouks, bought by the owners of Kings XI Punjab side, will hope to do well this season. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots shall be the dark horses.
Who are the players to look out for?
With usual Caribbean flavour available in the CPL, a lot of Indian fans will be keenly watching the 48-year old leg-spinner Pravin Tambe turning out for Trinbago Knight Riders. Many from Afghanistan will be plying their trade in the CPL this season and they will definitely be on the IPL radar in some time. The CPL has made it mandatory for every team to select an emerging player in at least five matches. The likes of Jayden Searles, Nayeem Young and Keon Harding will eager to grab eyeballs.
Any notable exceptions?
Yes, Chris Gayle! The Universe Boss has decided to not take part in this year’s edition due to family reasons. The leading run-getter of the CPL was supposed to turn out for St Lucia Zouks after his fallout with Jamaica Tallawahs. Fabian Allen will also not feature in this edition since he missed out on his flight to Trinidad. According to the country’s regulations, no outsiders are allowed except those on chartered flights.
How will we decide the winner?
All six teams will play against each other twice in the round-robin format thus each team will end up playing a total of 10 matches. This year, the usual playoff format has been ditched in favour of the traditional two semi-finals and a final. The final will be played on 10th Septemeber at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba (2:30 IST 11th September).
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