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Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL

The second phase of IPL 2021 is just about a month away from now and all the teams have already begun their planning to get ready for the cash-rich league to be played in UAE. There are a lot of uncertainties around the availability of players considering the busy international calendar and so many injuries to big players. However, all of it should be clarified in a couple of days as BCCI have asked all the franchises to submit the list of final squads for the remainder of the season by August 20.

With all the details around the personnel set to be sorted this week, the focus shifts to the travel dates of all the franchises. Considering the mandatory quarantine period and strict protocols in UAE, all the teams would want to reach there as early as possible in order to get enough time for practice before the resumption of the 14th edition of the tournament.

While the Indian players will join the squads directly by September 15th as there will be a bubble-t0-bubble transfer from England to UAE. However, the rest of the players and other staff members will be required to depart from India in the coming days. Here is the travel plan of all the IPL 2021 franchises:

Mumbai Indians

The defending champions have already reached UAE on August 13 and have started their quarantine period at St. Regis Saadiyat Resort in Abu Dhabi. While players like Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya have travelled with the team, other big names like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav will join them after the conclusion of the England tour.

Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni's side also landed in Dubai on August 13 and have started their quarantine at the luxurious The 8 Palm. As CSK and MI will play the first match of the second leg on September 19, they have been the first two teams to reach UAE. Notably, it has been reported that Josh Hazlewood has confirmed his participation for the remainder of the season and is set to join the squad very soon.

Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals will be the next franchise to board their flights as they are expected to land in UAE on August 21. While there have been no details yet on their stay, DC are expected to have their base in Palace Downtown in Dubai, which was their home during IPL 2020. Notably, Shreyas Iyer is already in UAE and has begun his preparations for the resumption of the season.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders would be the next team to reach UAE as they are slated to reach the destination on August 27. The SRK co-owned franchise are expected to stay at Ritz Carlton in Abu Dhabi, which is where they stayed last year. Notably, Shubman Gill has recovered from his injury and is set to travel with the team.

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings have their travel plans scheduled for August 29. The franchise are expected to land in Dubai where they could stay at the Sofitel The Palm, which was their base in UAE in IPL 2020. PBKS captain KL Rahul will join the team directly in UAE after the completion of the England tour.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore are scheduled to leave for UAE by the end of August and it could be anywhere around August 30-31. The franchise are expected to stay at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah Hotel, which hosted them during IPL 2020. While Yuzvendra Chahal will travel with the team, skipper Virat Kohli will join them directly after leaving from the UK.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad have notably set their plans to leave for UAE on August 31. Considering their stay last time around, the Orange Army could be hosted by Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort once again this season. Notably, T Natarajan has got a green signal from the NCA to travel with the franchise for IPL 2021.

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals would be the last franchise to land in UAE for the remainder of the IPL 2021 season as their travel is scheduled for September 2. The Men in Pink are also expected to land in Dubai where they could stay at One & Only The Palm, just like last year. Notably, Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.