With the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 being postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all but set to take place in September and October in UAE. However, fans could see the Indian players back in action even before the start of the marquee tournament. According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, some stakeholders in BCCI want India to play a T20I series, preferably against South Africa before the start of IPL. Notably, BCCI and Cricket South Africa have some common stakeholders. BCCI Waiting for Government Approval for Conducting Indian Premier League 13.

Both the teams were scheduled to play a T20I series in August which eventually got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, fans might be able to see Virat Kohli and Co go head to head with Proteas in the coming days. The report further stated that the IPL franchises will not be happy to let the Indian cricketers play an international series before the tournament. However, it seems like they don’t have many choices as the players are short of match practice. IPL 2020 Update: Tentative Schedule for Indian Premier League 13 Between September 26 – November 7.

Team India hasn’t played any international match since the Test series against New Zealand earlier this year. They were set to host South Africa in a three-match ODI series. However, the tour was called off due to the COVID-19 scare.

Meanwhile, IPL chairman Brijesh has officially announced that IPL 2020 will take place in UAE and as per the tentative schedule, the gala tournament is likely to take place between September 26 and November 8.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2020 11:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).