The postponed season of Indian Premier League is likely to resume tentatively in the third week of September in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a PTI report. A senior BCCI official told the news agency that Indian Cricketers, along with the English players will fly to UAE, where the remaining 31 matches of the league will be played. The three week window might witness as many as 10 double headers, due to time constraints. The resumption of the league is a win-win situation for all primary stakeholders including BCCI, franchise owners, broadcasters and players.

Meaning for CSK holders?

The news is definitely a big positive for shareholders of Chennai Super Kings as the severe impact of the lethal pandemic will be reduced. The franchises were supposed to pay the players and staff the full amount for the season, while their earnings were trimmed. The advertisers, sponsors and broadcasters announced to make payment on proportionate basis to the team. However, a refreshed league will add strength to the balance sheet in the ongoing fiscal.

What had happened?

The T20 cricket extravaganza was halted as the bio-bubble of various franchises was burst and multiple cases were reported from different franchises. Kolkata Knight Riders' mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was the first player to be reported Covid-19 positive, after breaching the bubble for knee scans. Similarly, SRH's wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha, KKRs's Tim Simfert and Sandeep Warrier, CSK's bowling coach Laxmipati Balaji and batting coach Mike Hussey were tested positive during the IPL. The league has been suspended since then. More cases were reported, but no official announcement was not made.

How will the players reach?

Indian cricket team will play the final of the inaugural World Test Championship against New Zealand in England, followed by a five test match series against the hosts during English summers. The last test will end on 14th of Septembers and players will on-board a chartered flight to UAE on the next morning. Similarly, players from the West Indies will also board flights to Dubai after the Caribbean Premier League.  The remaining Indian players are reportedly to play a limited over series in Sri Lanka. The remaining domestic players and Sri Lanka touring squad will fly to UAE, once the series is over. There will be a three-day quarantine for all players according to the reports. India was to play South Africa in September, but the series has been called off, as of now. This ensures availability of Proteas players. The two test series with Kiwi team might be rescheduled.