After much anticipation and uncertainty, the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is finally underway. The first match of the league was played on 19th September between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in UAE.
The first match of the league broke the record for the highest viewers on the opening day of any sporting league in the entire world with approximately 20 crore people experiencing the opening match on TV and online platforms.
IPL 2020 – Delayed but not canceled
Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, there was speculation that the IPL would also be canceled along with all the other sporting leagues in the world. Initially scheduled to start in March this year, IPL 2020 was initially postponed to April and then suspended indefinitely once the national lockdown was extended.
At this point, it was being speculated that the IPL might be canceled for the year. This was not only a scare for businesses associated with the IPL but also for top-rated online sportsbooks like 10Cric.
Fortunately, all speculations came to an end when it was announced in August that the IPL would not be canceled. Instead, the season would be held in UAE this year. This would not be the first time the IPL was held in UAE as it was also partially played there during the 2014 national elections in India.
A recording-breaking opener for IPL
The first match of the IPL’s 2020 season was finally played between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 19th September at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium behind closed doors.
Being the first match of IPL in 2020 there was a considerable amount of hype around the match already. However, according to market data, the viewership was truly unpreceded not only for the IPL but also for the sporting world in general.
With more than 20 crore people tuning in to watch the first match, it is fair to say that the IPL is finally back with a bang.
Cricket in the new normal
Like all sporting leagues, the IPL will also be following safety and health standards required to keep the players and staff safe. All the matches will be played without an audience with the last match of the series, the final, scheduled to be held on 10th November 2020. Mumbai Indians (MI) are currently the defending champions.