IPL 2021 to resume on 19 September with MI vs CSK game

New Delhi: Defending champions Mumbai Indians will meet Chennai Super Kings in Dubai on 19 September when the IPL resumes in the United Arab Emirates, the BCCI announced on Sunday. The tournament was suspended in May after multiple COVID-19 cases were reported in its bio-bubble. “The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the pandemic, will resume on 19th September in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians,” said the BCCI in a statement. [caption id=“attachment_8832231” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] File image of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, captain of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings respectively. Sportzpics[/caption] A total number of 31 matches will be played in the duration of 27 days including seven doubles headers (five were held in India). After the CSK-MI clash, the action will shift to Abu Dhabi where the Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sharjah will host its first game on 24 September when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on CSK. In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah and 8 in Abu Dhabi. [caption id=“attachment_9835581” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] IPL 2021 schedule of the remainder season. Image: BCCI[/caption] “There will be 7 double headers (5 matches already played in India total of 12 matches) with the first match starting at 3:30PM IST (2:00PM Gulf Standard Time). All evening matches will start at 7:30PM IST (6:00PM Gulf Standard Time),” added the statement. The final league game will be played between RCB and Delhi Capitals on 8 October. The first Qualifier will be played in Dubai on 10 October, the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will be played in Sharjah on 11 and 13 October respectively with Dubai hosting the final on 15 October. The 2020 edition was held in the UAE in its entirety due to the pandemic.