Covid, IPL and the future.

The covid-19 pandemic has truly been one of the worst affecting diseases of the world. But one of the things that have been affected the most by this is cricket. In a country like India, cricket is undoubtedly the most favourite game to watch, play and relish as a favourite pastime. But with covid, the stadiums have so far seen nothing but empty stands and pin drop silences for the past 5 months. But now with things a bit more in control, it is slowly returning to its former glory. The recently concluded series of England versus West Indies has given hope for Indian cricket. And the BCCI announced that IPL this year will take place in the UAE(United Arab Emirates).

This news has sent waves of happiness to the Indian cricket fans and world cricket lovers as the most favourite and competitive T-20 tournament in the world has returned. But has also raised many eyebrows. Like what are the dates for the tournament? How will it be conducted in the present given circumstances? What will be the special rules to maintain social distancing? The official news has come that the tournament will begin from 19th September. But many questions still arise in some minds. Will the players be quarantined for 2 weeks before the games begin. How many double headers will take place this year and what is the schedule? With all this, this year's IPL will surely be an interesting one. And keeping in mind the coronavirus pandemic, all eyes will be focused on the on ground play, support staff and how the tournament will be this year in UAE. After 6 years, since 2014, the 8 talented teams will be going to the UAE. Will that make a difference? Can we see a new champion this year, since 3 teams, namely Delhi Capitals(DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore(RCB) and Kings XI Punjab(KXIP) are yet to register their names on the coveted trophy, playing in foreign conditions? The answers will be interesting indeed as we wait for the tournament to begin from the 19th of September.