IPL 2021: MI - CSK to kick off second phase in Dubai on September 19 - Reports

Defending Champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will kick off the second leg of Indian Premier League in Dubai on September 19, stated few reports. Along with the opening fixture, Dubai will also host the first qualifier on October 10. Meanwhile, Sharjah will host the eliminator and qualifier 2 on October 11 and 13 respectively, the reports further said.

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Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings in their previous meet by four wickets before the tournament was postponed due to COVID-19. Chennai Super Kings enjoyed a decent run in the first leg and won five of their seven games while Mumbai Indians won four games in the same number of matches as CSK.

Last month, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla confirmed the dates of IPL 2021 and revealed the tournament will resume on September 19, with the final to be played on October 15. However, the dates are not officially confirmed as the BCCI is still negotiating with other cricket boards for the availability of overseas players.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals said they want to reach UAE at least a month before the start of the tournament. As per the reports, both franchises have requested BCCI permissions to do the same. According to Cricbuzz, both CSK and DC have confirmed they want to reach Dubai by August 20.

“We want to be there by August 15, latest by 20th and we have informed the BCCI that we want to be there by then. We are hoping to get the required permissions, without which the logistical plans will be difficult to execute,” said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan to Cricbuzz.