2020 has been a tumultuous year for a number of reasons. With major sporting events disrupted across the globe there is a glimmer of hope for a return to normality in 2021. We take a quick look at some of the standout, upcoming cricket events.
BCCI announces key 2021 dates
The BCCI recently announced a number of major scheduled dates, including a total of four test matches between India and England, set to take place over a two month English tour. The first test match will take place in Chennai on 5 February.
The ICC’s schedule for 2021 reveals a further three test matches between India and England to take place over the course of February and running into March. A spate of ODIs between India and England will also take place over the course of March as well as further test matches between the two nations scheduled for the summer.
India and England Test Dates for 2021
1st Test: 5-9 February, Chennai
2nd Test: 13-17 February, Chennai
3rd Test: 24-28 February, Ahmedabad
4th Test: 4-8 March, Ahmedabad
What about IPL 2021?
One of the shining lights in the annual cricket calendar looked on the rocks for a large portion of 2020. Major delays, a change of country, and much controversy surrounding sponsorship deals eventually saw IPL 13 go ahead towards the end of the year.
But will the delay in IPL 2020’s schedule affect the next iteration of the world’s favourite cricket tournament? It doesn’t look like the Indian cricket authorities will seek to stagger this year’s schedule because of last year’s delay with a number of top bookies in India already publishing their odds.
However England’s recently confirmed two month tour at the beginning of 2021 would conflict with the traditional starting date of the IPL. It looks like it could face a delay of two weeks, but nothing in comparison with last year.
WTC action pushes into 2021
Cricket fans will be happy to hear that the World Test Championship due to start at the end December 2020 will run long into 2021 with key games taking place between all the leading cricket nations well into February. India will begin their campaign in Australia on 21 December with further games scheduled into 2021.
India’s WTC Campaign against Australia
1st Test: 17-21 December, Adelaide
2nd Test: 26-30 December, Melbourne
3rd Test: 7-11 January, Sydney
4th Test: 15-19 January, Brisbane