IPL 2020: Mumbai to host the final on May 24
The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick-off from March 29 and would continue until May 24. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI), who won their record fourth title last year, are the defending champions. Today, the IPL Governing Council announced that the final would be held at MI's home venue, the Wankhede Stadium on May 24. Here is more.
Tournament expanded to 57 days
In this edition, there has been a notable change in the scheduling of the tournament. The tournament would last 57 days. Meanwhile, there would be only five doubleheaders, while the matches would begin at 8:00 PM. The council debated the idea of having the matches at 7:30 PM but in the end, it decided not to tinker with the timing.
BCCI President confirms matches to start at 8 PM
"There will be no change in the timing. It will start at 8 PM like earlier years. There was a discussion about 7.30 PM, but it's not happening. We will have only five doubleheaders (4 PM and 8 PM)," said the BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.
Ahmedabad was in contention to host the final
As per the IPL norms, the home ground of the defending champions hosts the final of the following edition. However, prior to the confirmation, there were reports that the upcoming new 1,10,000-seater stadium in Ahmedabad might get a chance to host the final. But, since there is no clarity if the construction would be completed by that time, the plan has been scrapped.
Longer window to allow teams to travel smoother
Speaking on the long window, a source had confirmed that the tournament would be moving on from its traditional 45-day format to 57 days, as it would reduce the challenges of scheduling. "In fact, it should be a walk in the park for those chalking out how matches will be played over 57 days," the source had quoted to IANS.
Tournament to bring in concussion substitutes and TV no-balls
Among the other new introductions, the tournament this year would also introduce the concussion substitutes, in case a player is unable to continue for the same. Further, the TV umpire checking for no-balls would also be introduced in the tournament this term. Meanwhile, an All-Stars game, with currently registered IPL players, would also take place, two days prior to the start of the tournament.
List of IPL winners every season
Following is the list of IPL winners for the past 12 seasons: 2008 - Rajasthan Royals 2009 - Deccan Chargers 2010 and 2011 - Chennai Super Kings 2012 - Kolkata Knight Riders 2013 - Mumbai Indians 2014 - Kolkata Knight Riders 2015 - Mumbai Indians 2016 - Sunrisers Hyderabad 2017 - Mumbai Indians 2018 - Chennai Super Kings 2019 - Mumbai Indians
