New Delhi: Defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings on 19 September when the much-awaited edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 resumes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The cricket league was suspended mid-way after a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases breached the bio-bubble, and infected a few players and support staff.

"The 14th season, which was postponed in May this year in the wake of the pandemic, will resume on 19 September in Dubai with a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians," said the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) in its latest announcement.

A total number of 31 matches will be played over a period of 27 days including seven doubles headers (five were held in India). In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah and 8 in Abu Dhabi.

"There will be seven double headers (five matches already played in India - total of 12 matches) with the first match starting at 3:30PM IST (2:00PM Gulf Standard Time). All evening matches will start at 7:30PM IST (6:00PM Gulf Standard Time)," added BCCI.

This year, the official broadcaster Star Sports had also made arrangements to live broadcast the IPL 2021 in eight different languages, and arranged a new virtual set and a myriad of augmented reality graphics to impress audiences who remained under lockdown when the tournament began in April.

The final league game will be played between RCB and Delhi Capitals on 8 October.