The 2nd phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is all set to resume in UAE in September-October. The Board of Control for Cricket in India made the mega-announcement at its SGM, which took place yesterday (May 29). This will be the third time that the tournament will be played in UAE.
After successfully hosting England in a full-fledged series in February-March, the BCCI was hopeful of conducting IPL in India but the league was suspended after the virus breached the bio-bubble. The tournament will now be completed in UAE.
A number of overseas players are expected to pull out due to international commitments. But there is no concern as far as Indian players are concerned.
In fact, senior batsman Suresh Raina has already confirmed his participation in the tournament. The Chennai Super Kings’ player took to Twiiter after the BCCI’s announcement and confirmed that he will travel to UAE. It is to be noted that Raina had withdrawn from IPL 2020. He had landed in the UAE with CSK but returned home due to personal reasons. As per reports, 13 personnel of the CSK camp had tested positive for COVID-19.
Raina shared a pic with skipper MS Dhoni on Twitter and wrote: “See you soon Dubai @msdhoni @IPL @ChennaiIPL.” CSK had retained Raina for IPL 2021.
The former CSK vice-captain had scored a half-century in his comeback game against Delhi Capitals. He scored 69 runs in next 6 matches. With Moeen Ali batting at 3, Raina was getting a chance to bat at number 4. Raina might get to bat at 3 if Moeen is named in England’s T20 squad.
With 5 wins from 7 matches, CSK were placed at the 2nd spot in the points table before the tournament was suspended. The Yellow Army will hope that they continue their dream run in UAE as well.
