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XtraTime Web Desk: Amid the prevailing gloom of the pandemic, a sliver of light and positivity filled CAB with confirmation of Akashseep and Sayan Ghosh's participation in this edition of IPL.

Though not as first team players, Akashseep and Sayan will travel as squad bowlers for Rajasthan Royals and King's XI Punjab respectively.

Speaking about the development, CAB President Avishek Dalmiya said: "We are happy that the franchises have shown interest in the two young lads. While discussions were on during the last few days, its certainly a good news that they have confirmed on this auspicious day of Krishna Janamashtami. Though they would be joining as squad bowlers, wish both of them all the best for their success."

CAB Secretary Snehashis Ganguly said: "This is a welcome news. These players are very talented and has a lot of potential. This stay with the franchises for some 75 to 80 days will further help them hone their skills. I have watched the likes of Akashdeep and Ishan closely the whole of last season and they have a great future."

Meanwhile the bowlers themselves are excited about the prospects of joining the franchises. They are scheduled to leave in the third week of August though the exact date has not yet been finalized.

Talking about this development Akashdeep said: "I am very happy. I will get a chance to bowl to some of the best in the world. Besides with Steve Smith as skipper and Andrew McDonald as coach there will be a lot to learn.

I also feel that this exposure to the world's most premium T20 cricket league will help the youngsters like us from Bengal mature. And we can use that in the next season in the domestic T20 meet."

Sayan Ghosh is equally excited at the prospect of bowling to the likes of K L Rahul and Chris Gayle. "Its a great opportunity for me. And the experience I will gain will help Bengal in future. It is a welcome break from being lockdown in our houses. I can bowl and play cricket which is a great motivation."

The other youngsters Ishan Porel and Shahbaz Ahmed feature for King's XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively. Besides them three veterans in Wriddhiman Saha, Mohammed Shami and Sreevats Goswami are also in this IPL with other franchises.

"I am very happy that we have seven players now from Bengal in and around this edition of Ipl. The fact that these emerging young players will rub shoulders with the best in the business and learn from some of the best coaches will only mature them. And besides you never know what happens. Sky is the limit, " said Joydeep Mukherjee, Bengal's Cricket Operations Manager.

Taking note of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India, the IPL GC has decided to stage the tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the matches will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

IPL 2020 will be played from 19th September and the final will be played on 10th November 2020. The 53-day tournament will witness 10-afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST while the evening matches will start at 19:30 IST.

Courtesy: CAB Media