News Analysis India

Tag: UAE

  • Mumbai Indians will have an advantage in UAE, feels former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir

    By IANS

    NEW DELHI: Defending champions Mumbai Indians will have an advantage playing in the UAE when the second phase of the IPL 2021 begins from September 19, said former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir.

    He believes that the conditions in the UAE will suit Mumbai Indians’ pacers. “They’ve played in conditions that are completely different to where they normally play in. When you see the conditions in Chepauk or Delhi, they are completely different from what you get at Wankhede. And, as I mentioned, they are going into conditions that are suited to their fast bowling — people like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult,” Gambhir said on Star Sports’ show Game Plan.

    “There will be swing upfront, so they will be very dangerous. Plus, Mumbai wants balls to swing and you’ve got quality fast bowlers and it’s going to be an advantage for them. Plus their batters, want the balls to come on to the bat as well, people like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, all those guys struggled at Chepauk, because it was gripping and turning.

    “They are not going to struggle, once they start playing in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. So, that’s the reason why I would feel Mumbai Indians will have an advantage; they can’t afford slow starter anymore, because they have seven games to go and they might have to win 5 matches to qualify, so they can’t afford to be in that situation, where they have to win five out of five,” he added.

    Mumbai Indians will kick start IPL 2021 with three-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Stadium on September 19.

  • Bubble watch: IPL franchises not letting their guard down  

    Express News Service

    CHENNAI: The English summer has come to an abrupt end, but the temperatures are soaring in the UAE. With just six days to go for the 2021 edition of the IPL to restart after a four-month gap, preparations are in full swing and with most players — except those who are featuring in the Caribbean Premier League and the bilateral series between South Africa and Sri Lanka — having checked in. Ever since the franchises landed in Dubai and Abu Dhabi towards the second half of August, the mood has been quite upbeat, with each one insisting on the safety of the environment.

    It is in complete contrast to what was in India — rather specifically in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad — in the months of April and May. With the tournament commencing in the middle of a strong Covid-19 second wave in India under a bio-secure environment, there was a bit of anxiety and fear with many of the franchise officials keeping their fingers crossed to deliver a full tournament. In the end, the move to hold the tournament at home proved costly as coronavirus breached the bio-bubble, bringing the event to a halt at the halfway stage.

    With the league all set to resume and so much riding on it, the recent developments in Manchester mean franchises and the BCCI are not letting their guard down. Although it has been a while since all the teams landed in the gulf and they are feeling more at home, they are aware it can lead to complacency, and the arrival of India and England players straight from Manchester means they are extra vigilant.

    “There is so much at stake, which is why the six-day quarantine has been made mandatory. Although all are vaccinated and have tested negative in the RT-PCR tests, it is always better to be well prepared and cover the bases. Whether you fly in by a commercial flight or charter flight, the moment you use the airport, there is always an element of risk. So this quarantine is absolutely necessary because it avoids any jitters,” a franchise official told this newspaper.

    For the record, those players who are undergoing quarantine will take three RT-PCR tests in six days and will join the bubble only if they test negative in all.

    Incidentally, when the BCCI decided to host the event in India in six cities, the air travel was seen as the biggest cause of concern. In the UAE, there is no need to worry about it as all three venues will be accessed via bus travel. And moreover, franchises have also put to use the experience of their lessons from 2020, when the entire tournament was held in UAE. Unlike in India where some franchises couldn’t control the public from taking the lifts that the players used, it won’t be the case in UAE.

    With Dubai Expo beginning in October, the prices of hotel rooms have gone up when compared to the 2020 edition which was held just after lockdown. However, with crowd movement expected in the hotel, franchises have even gone to the extent of renting the entire hotel for themselves this time around. “Last time, the world hadn’t opened up to this extent. This time it is totally different and with locals vaccinated and foreigners expected to turn up, it is business as usual here. So to be on the safer side, franchises have booked entire hotels to themselves,” said an IPL official overseeing the preparations.

  • Mumbai Indians mentor Sachin Tendulkar arrives in UAE

    By ANI

    ABU DHABI: Mumbai Indians mentor Sachin Tendulkar arrived in the UAE on Sunday for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

    Mumbai Indians shared a picture of Sachin as the side welcomed their mentor ahead of IPL.

    “The ICON. The LEGEND. The ___ Aala Re! #OneFamily #MumbaiIndians #IPL2021 @sachin_rt,” Mumbai Indians tweeted.

    MI skipper Rohit Sharma, pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav along with their families arrived in UAE on Saturday. They are currently undergoing six days of quarantine and then will link up with the Mumbai Indians squad.

    Rohit, Surya and Bumrah tested negative for COVID-19 before departure from Manchester and after arrival in Abu Dhabi. Mumbai Indians shared a picture of Rohit with his wife Ritika as the side welcomed their skipper ahead of IPL.

    Earlier in February, Sachin’s son Arjun Tendulkar was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs 20 lakhs in the mini-auction of IPL.

  • Rajasthan Royals batsman Manan Vohra looking to use lessons learnt from first leg for improved show in UAE

    By PTI

    DUBAI: Disappointed to have not capitalised on the opportunities in the first leg of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals batsman Manan Vohra aims to use all the learnings to put up an improved show when the T20 league resumes on September 19.

    The 28-year-old from Chandigarh could manage only 42 runs in the four matches that he played before the IPL was suspended in May due to multiple COVID-19 cases inside the bio-bubble.

    “I was a little disappointed because I felt I couldn’t capitalize on the starts that I got; however, it means that I had a lot of learnings from those outings and have prepared well for the second leg,” Manan said in a release issued by the franchise.

    A member of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team, Manan said time has come for the inaugural champions Rajasthan to reclaim the trophy and they have a lot of self-belief as they head into the T20 League.

    “As a group, we are all looking to win the trophy. It has been a long time since the franchise has won it,” said Manan, who was roped in by RR in 2019.

    “…the best thing is that everyone in our group believes that the team has the potential to make a mark once again. So, we’re aiming for the cup but will be mindful of taking it game by game.”

    Like million others, Manan too has the ambition to play for the country and said he intends to use the upcoming domestic season to make a case to the selectors.

    “Every player on the circuit has the same dream, and so do I. I definitely want to play for the Indian team. I think the upcoming domestic season again gives me a chance to get noticed,” said Manan, who has 1054 runs in 53 IPL matches at a strike-rate of over 130.

    “I’m playing for Chandigarh now and will be leading them, so I’m confident of taking my team to the latter stages of competitions through good performances, which will help me in making a case.”

    Manan’s teammate and friend Mayank Markande is hoping spin will again come into play just like last year with IPL back in UAE.

    “Our spinners had done a great job in the UAE last year, so I feel we’re back to utilizing our strengths well. We feel really confident going into this phase,” he said.

    Mayank couldn’t find a place in the Royals’ team during the first phase but he said he’s “happy to wait for his opportunities and understands that the conditions in India weren’t favouring the spinners too much” but knows that his “chance will come”.

    Talking about his transformation as a player, Mayank said: “When I first started playing IPL, I didn’t have much experience. But when I play now, I feel I’ve matured both as a player and as a person.

    “I think I’m mentally tough now and know how to deal with pressure, and bowl in challenging situations,” said the 23-year-old who had picked up 15 wickets in his debut IPL season in 2018.

    Having played one T20I for the Indian team, Mayank said he “dreams of making a comeback to the Indian team by performing well in the domestic circuit, and then consistently play for the nation at the highest level.”

  • Resumption of IPL in UAE will stand Rajasthan Royals in good stead: Anuj Rawat

    By PTI

    RAMNAGAR: Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper batsman Anuj Rawat, who made his IPL debut during the first phase earlier this year, feels resumption of the tournament in UAE will stand the former champions in “good stead”.

    The 21-year-old played a crucial role on the field for the Royals with three outstanding catches in their 55-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

    The Royals are currently placed fifth with six points from seven outings.

    “I was really happy that I could make my IPL debut for the Royals. It was unfortunate that the season was postponed but given our current position in terms of being fifth on the table, I think it puts us in good stead with respect to the resumption in the UAE,” said the youngster.

    The Royals were without the services of several players, including pacer Jofra Archer and all-rounder Ben Stokes, during the first phase of the tournament.

    “Remembering that some of our players had to depart and some were unavailable for most part of the competition, I believe it was a good overall performance from our team, and we are really confident of making the most of the next seven matches and give ourselves the best chance of making it to the playoffs,” Rawat was quoted as saying in a media release.

    Recollecting his debut, Rawat said full focus and energy in practice sessions paid rich dividends.

    “I had confidence in myself, and deep down, I had a feeling that I’ll get my chance when we go to the Delhi-leg of our matches because it’s my home stadium and I am well accustomed to those conditions.

    “When Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) told me that I would be starting, it felt nice, and I was really motivated to go out there and do my best for the team,” he said.

    The youngster, who represents Delhi in domestic cricket, feels “the wickets in UAE really suits his batting, having experienced the conditions with the Royals in 2020.”

    “Now I’m looking forward to doing the same things again in the UAE, and help the team in whatever way I can, whether it’s on the field or with the bat.”

    A big fan of former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rawat had the chance to speak to the legend during the Royals’ match against Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai earlier this year.

    “I’ve been fortunate enough to have spoken to him a couple of times. This time I just asked him about what he meant when he said in an interview that an athlete should be honest with himelf or herself,” he said.

    “He replied by saying that an athlete should be honest with himself in terms of knowing what he’s doing right and what he’s doing wrong.

    “In essence, it meant that if you are feeling lazy one day and skip a training session, then you should know that it’s wrong, and that you’re the one who’s responsible for cheating your body.”

    Having represented India at the U-19 level, helping them win the U-19 Asia Cup in 2018, Rawat says he is not looking too far ahead and wants to focus on the upcoming IPL and domestic season.

    “My main focus is on the next seven matches in the IPL with the Royals, which are really important for the team and for myself.

    Post that, I’ll be focused on both red ball and white ball cricket, because if you perform well, there is scope for you to really progress and make a case to the selectors.”

  • IPL 2021: Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera issued NOC from SLC to take part in UAE leg

    By ANI

    COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Sunday announced that permission has been granted to Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

    Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have roped in Sri Lanka’s Hasaranga and Chameera as replacements for Adam Zampa and Daniel Sams respectively for the 14th edition of IPL.

    “The permission for the players was granted by the SLC in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee,” SLC said in a statement.

    “The ‘No Objection Certificate’ to the duo was issued for them to join the IPL teams starting from 15th September (following the completion of the South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka),” it added.

    SLC said the two players will join the Sri Lanka squad on October 10 to play in the two warm-up games prior to the ICC men’s T20 World Cup qualifiers.

    The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on September 19 in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

    The action will shift to Abu Dhabi where Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

    Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings. In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.

  • Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya join Mumbai Indians’ camp in UAE

    By ANI

    ABU DHABI: Mumbai Indians star all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya have joined the team’s camp here in Abu Dhabi ahead of the resumption of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on September 19 in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

    “Humare Pandya brothers aa gaye,” Mumbai Indians tweeted.

    Mumbai Indians and CSK reached UAE earlier this month and have begun training.

    After the match on September 19, the action will shift to Abu Dhabi where Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

    Sharjah will host its first game on September 24 when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings. In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah, and 8 in Abu Dhabi.

    The BCCI has decided to do away with contact tracing devices for the UAE leg. The Indian board decided that Bubble Integrity Officers will do the necessary contact tracing if any player tests positive for COVID-19 in UAE.

    The board has come up with a 46-page health advisory that lays down all the pointers that everyone associated with the IPL needs to follow in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the league.

  • IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals leave for UAE

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals on Saturday departed for UAE to play the remaining leg of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    “Phir Se Ud Chala 2.0. We’re off to UAE,” Delhi Capitals posted a video on Instagram.

    Earlier, ANI had reported that the Delhi-based franchise will leave the national capital on Saturday. Star batsman Shreyas Iyer is already in the UAE with the fitness coach and the rest of the squad will join the Delhi Capitals set-up following the conclusion of their international commitments.

    Mumbai Indians and CSK reached UAE last week and have begun training.

  • CA clears top Australians for IPL return before T20 World Cup

    By PTI

    MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia has cleared the way for the country’s leading players to return to the rescheduled Indian Premier League in the UAE starting next month ahead of the T20 World Cup.

    CA has issued No Objection Certificates for the players to return to the IPL next month, while a planned T20 tri-series with Afghanistan and West Indies may be re-purposed as (T20) World Cup warm-ups, according to a report in cricket.au.com.

    This year’s IPL was halted in May after an outbreak of COVID-19 in India, and about 40 Australian players, coaches, broadcasters and support staff had to spend time in Maldives while international borders were shut, before eventually returning home via a charter flight provided by the BCCI.

    The IPL has since been rescheduled to complete the remaining 36 games in 27 days between September 19 and October 15 in the UAE, finishing just two days before the T20 World Cup begins, which has also been relocated to the region from India.

    CA’s clearance came after the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the postponement of a three-match ODI series between the two nations originally planned to be held in India in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, the report said.

    A mooted T20 tri-series also involving the West Indies was due to form an important part of the World Cup preparations for all three squads, and Afghanistan authorities are continuing efforts to secure a venue to host it.

    With the initial group stages of the T20 World Cup expected to be played primarily in Oman, the UAE venues could be free to host the matches between the end of the IPL and the start of the World Cup’s Super 12 stage, expected to begin on October 23.

    Seven players who participated in the initial stage of this year’s IPL — David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson and Daniel Sams — are now expected to return to the lucrative T20 league.

    Pat Cummins has said he will miss the IPL reboot due the impending birth of his first child but has committed to Australia’s T20 World Cup tilt.

    Josh Hazlewood, Riley Meredith, Dan Christian, Moises Henriques, Mitch Marsh, Jason Behrendorff, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Ben Cutting and Josh Philippe are the other players that hold IPL deals.

    Hazlewood, Marsh and Philippe had opted out of the first stage of the IPL tournament that was held in India, but are eligible to return to the reschedule closing stages.

    It will also be the second successive season in which top players will miss the opening rounds of Australia’s domestic competitions to participate in the IPL.

    Australia’s men’s domestic summer is due to begin with a Marsh One-Day Cup game on September 11, meaning any players heading to the IPL and subsequent T20 World Cup will not feature at home before the Test summer begins against Afghanistan from November 27.

  • IPL 2021: MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings depart for UAE

    By ANI

    CHENNAI: Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday departed for Dubai as they gear up to play the remaining leg of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    CSK shared a picture of Dhoni in which the former India skipper can be seen with his suitcase as he gears up to leave for UAE. “Get ready folks!” CSK tweeted.

    Having retired from international cricket on August 15, 2020, Dhoni now only plays in the IPL and will be back in action when the UAE leg of the cash-rich league resumes on September 19.

    Mode ON#UrsAnbudenEverywhere#WhistlePodu #Yellove pic.twitter.com/yHE4c2Qk4X
    — Chennai Super Kings – Mask Pdu Whistle Pdu! (@ChennaiIPL) August 13, 2021
    Earlier in the day, defending champions Mumbai Indians also departed for UAE. Mumbai Indians will lock horns with CSK on September 19 to resume IPL 2021. The final game of the league stage will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals on October 8.

    Also, the BCCI has decided to do away with contact tracing devices for the UAE leg of IPL. The Indian board has decided that Bubble Integrity Officers will do the necessary contact tracing if any player tests positive for COVID-19 in UAE.

    The board has come up with a 46-page health advisory that lays down all the pointers that everyone associated with the IPL needs to follow in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the league.