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XtraTime Web Desk: The upcoming edition of IPL 2020 is set to begin in the United Arab Emirates from September 19 and all the teams are doing their final phase of preparations as the opener is set to take place in a week time. In the first match of IPL season 13 defending champions Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings in the first match of the cash rich league.

There won’t be any fans in the ground during the matches at least during the initial stages of the tournament due to the worsen situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many former cricketers and experts have commented on the absence of fans and the adverse impact it could have on some of the players, which derive energy from crowd support.

Even as fans remain absent, the pre-recorded voices of fans cheering for the sides will be heard during the games. In a conversation with ANI, a franchise official informed on the development. 

"The stadiums will be empty as everyone is looking to ensure that health protocols and bio-bubble regulations are strictly followed. So, it was decided that while some teams will record the reactions of cheerleaders, which will be played out for every four, six or wicket, other teams have decided to create small videos of fans cheering for them and those will be played out while the cricketers are battling it out in the middle," the official said.

The pre-recorded video footage of cheerleaders made an appearance during the initial phase of the Caribbean Premier League. In football matches across Europe, fan voices, chants and celebratory roars were a permanent feature in major leagues.

Fan cams were also present behind the goal-posts in England's Premier League.

The 13th edition of the IPL will take place in three cities across the UAE - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.