Abu Dhabi, UAE: Tuesday 15 September 2020:

Strict safety measures remain in place as the world’s biggest cricket league prepares to swing into action in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

International sports stars are being closely monitored in bio-secure bubbles and intensive protocols are being followed ahead of the first ball being bowled in an Indian Premier League (IPL) set to be played out amid a pandemic.

While coaches and players will leave no stone unturned to secure victory on the field, organisers have adopted the same single-minded mentality to ensure the lucrative spectacle is hosted safely and successfully.

Hotel rooms and stadiums where PCR swab tests are being conducted have been fitted with hospital-grade air filters to contain the spread of Covid-19 infections.

Medics in ambulances at the stadium will check for high temperature and other coronavirus symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath before allowing cricket crew and workers inside.

The Twenty20 games kick off between Mumbai Indians, the defending IPL champions, and Chennai Super Kings on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.