Caribbean Premier League scheduled for August 2020
With 2020 already witnessing a few international cricket matches in the past month, Trinidad and Tobago are all set to host the Caribbean Premier League. CPL will start on August 18 and conclude on September 10.
The CPL is the first T20 league to happen after the pandemic stopped all sporting activities. CPL is also the first T20 tournament to get clearance from the local government.
Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure minimum risk of virus transmission. There are strict guidelines in force to safeguard locals and foreign tourists from the deadly virus. The government has also enforced a strict testing mandate. All players and tourists will get tested for Covid-19 before their departure as well as post their arrival at the venue.
The news of the CPL was a breather for the cricket fraternity after the solemn 6-month quarantine period. Fans across the world are anticipating an entertaining tournament after the ‘dry spell.’
Authorities set to combat the spread of the virus
The Caribbean government, along with local authorities, has analyzed the pandemic situation in detail. They have set up stringent laws to effectively cut down any chances of virus transmission during or after the tournament.
Authorities have reported that the players and team officials will follow mandatory ‘social distancing’ rules during the entire course of the league. They will stay in one hotel and further divide into ‘households.’
Social distancing and isolation norms will be ensured through the allocation of households. There will be a rigid implementation of these rules. The players will also undergo two-weeks of strict observation and testing once they land in Trinidad.
Another impressive rule that the authorities have announced is that if any member shows symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated immediately. Additionally, the cluster that the person is part of shall self-isolate for 14 days without fail. The tournament will not be severely affected if rules are followed properly.
The access granted to people for various tasks will be a huge factor in protecting the team players and officials. The number of people permitted to be close to the stadium or the players will be a deciding factor in the progress of the league.
Fans hope that the matches will stream hassle-free across the globe so that everyone can enjoy the league from their homes. It’s been a while since people witnessed a good T20 game!
The teams have set their eyes on the prize money!
The Caribbean Premier League will witness Caribbean players as well as players from overseas. Popular cricketers like Rashid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Alex Hales, Chris Lynn, Dwayne Bravo, and Kieron Pollard will play in the CPL.
The teams that will play are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks, as well as Trinbago Knight Riders. Reportedly, the teams are slightly nervous. This is normal since it’s their first tournament after the pandemic. However, their goals are set straight.
The estimated total prize money for the CPL is close to $2.16 million. The winning team will get $1 million. The runners-up will get $660,000, while the third and fourth position teams will receive $250,000 and $100,000, respectively.
Well, that’s not the end of it. The player who hits the longest six will also get a cash prize. He will receive a cash prize of $5,000! The CPL will take place as a high-class T20 league.
Summing Up
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has come as a piece of joyful news in these trying times. Trinidad and Tobago are ideal venues to host the tournament. Covid-19 has hit the world hard. The Caribbean region is less affected. The total number of cases stands at 133. This is quite low compared to the rest of the world.
The authorities have promised strict safeguards and have taken effective measures to ensure that there is a bare minimum chance of virus transmission. The government has also ramped up testing to cut down any chance of a community spread.
The tournament is expected to be a grand success as well as a beacon of progress and hope in these difficult times. The fans, too, can expect a great viewing experience!
