As IPL 2020 nears, Gambhir feels players will not be 'afraid' amid spike in COVID cases 

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that coronavirus pandemic will not impact performance of cricketers when y participate in Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE. former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper also stressed that players must here to guidelines put in place. IPL 2020 will be played in UAE this time around and 13th edition of cash-rich event will get underway on September 19.

'Just because of one person, tournament can't be sacrificed': Gautam Gambhir

"I don't think that players will be afraid of it. It is important to be in bio-secure bubble and follow guidelines. Just because of one person, tournament can't be sacrificed. So, it is important to follow instructions and guidelines," Gambhir told ANI.

"IPL is a kind of tournament where any team can beat anor team. most important thing is how you start journey. Also, Indian players haven't played any cricket for last 6 months so wher y are rusty or not will be known once tournament starts," 2011 World Cup winner ded.

IPL 2020: Arch-rivals MI & CSK to start proceedings

13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is nearly two weeks away and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally released much-awaited IPL schedule on Sunday. Defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in tournament opener on September 19 at Sheikh Zayed Stium, Abu Dhabi. cricketing carnival will be played across three venues - Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. According to newly announced IPL time table, Dubai will host 24 games, Abu Dhabi will host 21 games while Sharjah will be hosting 12 games.

53-day tournament will witness 10 afternoon matches starting at 3:30 PM (IST) while evening matches will start at 7:30 PM (IST).

Meanwhile, this will also be first time that an IPL final will be played on a weekday. tournament decider will be played on November 10 i.e. on day of Diwali.

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