IPL 2020: Final confirmed on November 10, new timings for evening matches

IPL

The BCCI has confirmed that the IPL 2020 final will be played on November 10 (Tuesday). The decision was taken in the IPL Governing Council meeting held on Sunday (August 2).

The 13th edition of the cash-rich tournament will begin in the UAE from September 19. All evening matches will start from 7:30 pm IST and there will be 10 double-headers.

The Governing Council has also decided to retain all its sponsors, including Chinese phone-makers VIVO. In June this year, the BCCI had said it will review their sponsorship deals in the aftermath of the Indo-Chinese clashes in Ladakh.

“All I can say is that all our sponsors are with us. Hopefully you can read between the lines,” an IPL GC official reportedly told PTI.

In lieu of the coronavirus situation across the country and the world, the IPL will also allow unlimited COVID-19 replacements.

“We expect the Home and External Affairs Ministry to give us necessary approvals within another week. The final will be played on November 10 as it enters the Diwali week making it lucrative for the broadcasters,” the official said.

It is understood that the squad strength in terms of playing members for all eight franchises will be restricted to 24. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are still being prepared.