IPL 2020: Trent Boult Explains The Biggest Challenge Of Playing IPL In UAE

Mumbai Indians’ speedster Trent Boult has explained the biggest challenge of playing the IPL in UAE. The New Zealand pacer is a new addition to the MI side. He was brought from DC at a price of Rs 2.2 crores. The Indian Premier League will be played in the UAE this season, where pitches are slow and dry. The change in venue was commanded because of the increasing cases of Covid-19 in India. The matches in IPL 2020 will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

The 13th edition of IPL was originally scheduled to kick off from March 29 was postponed indefinitely after April 15 due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the nation.

Trent Boult explains the biggest challenge playing in UAE

In an interview with MI TV Boult told he is happy to be playing for Mumbai Indians rather than facing them because it was always intimidating coming against them. He said the biggest challenge in playing in UAE is the heat because he hails from New Zealand which is way cooler than UAE. The dry and slow-pitch conditions can be a nightmare for pacers and Boult hopes the wicket would be good but accepts the conditions there change drastically.

“I have played for a couple of other franchises but I am obviously excited to be a part of the Mumbai Indians family. Speaking from experience I have played against them a few times. The big challenge that you face when you come up against this side is that they have always been very intimidating. So it’s nice to be on the other end of it and be part of such a cool group,” Boult said.

“The biggest challenge has been trying to prepare to come to 45 degrees in the middle of the dessert. I come from a very small country New Zealand which is about 7 or 9 degrees at the moment. I have played cricket here. I know conditions can change very drastically. But I am hoping for good wickets,” Boult added.

Mumbai Indians’ fiery pace attack to watch out for in IPL 2020

The champions are without veteran Lasith Malinga but are still stacked up with big names in their pace attack. MI have a strong fast bowling lineup with Mitchell McClenaghan, Trent Boult Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson, Jasprit Bumrah, and Dhaval Kulkarni.

Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in IPL’s history. The reigning champions are all set to go for a 5th victory to defend their title this term. The squad is well balanced with veterans and young guns.

Mumbai Indians will play the IPL opener against Chennai Super Kings in the tournament on September 19, defending their title. The Indian Premier League will be played in UAE amid the Coronavirus pandemic and will be held in three venues Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah from September 19 to November 10 amid COVID-19 protocols laid down by the ICC and BCCI.