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XtraTime Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating scheduling the upcoming 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) matches in two separate legs to overcome local protocols. The BCCI is yet to announce the schedule of the cash rich league which is scheduled to start next month from September 19. With just 20 days remaining, all the 8 franchisees as well as the broadcasters Star India is worried.

The reason for the delay in announcing the schedule is due to Dubai & Abu Dhabi both having separate protocols related to Covid-19. There are travel restrictions as well between the two cities. While entering Abu Dhabi, one has to undergo mandatory rapid tests. Only after a negative test one can cross the border.

Such strict procedures cannot work for the teams on a match-day. That is the reason BCCI is yet to declare the schedule for the IPL 2020.

It is learnt that the BCCI is mulling the idea of scheduling the league in such a way so as to minimize the travelling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In that case the league has to be scheduled in two separate legs. There will be a total of 56 games over a period of 53 days in IPL 2020. As per the initial plans both Abu Dhabi and Dubai will host 21 matches each and Sharjah Stadium will stage 14 matches in 13th edition of IPL. Currently there are no restrictions on travel to Sharjah from Dubai. So BCCI may be inclined to stage the first leg of matches in Dubai and Sharjah while the second leg of the league can be staged in Abu Dhabi. The teams can return to Dubai for the play offs and the final on November 10.

The final decision in this regard will be taken with-in next 48 hours as a high level BCCI team headed by IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel and interim CEO Hemang Amin is due to meet various officials in UAE government. A final decision can only be taken after the outcome of the meetings which is due to take on Thursday.