IPL 2021 likely to be held in India without fans; BCCI to take final decision in IPL GC meeting

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to host the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) behind closed doors in these ongoing times of the pandemic. The fans recently returned to the stadium during the recently-concluded Test series between India and England.

While the first Test was played without fans, the fans were allowed inside the stadium for the following three games. In all the games, 50 percent of fans were allowed inside the stadium. But the fans are unlikely to watch the IPL games from the stands in IPL 2021. The IPL will be returning to India this year after being held in the UAE last year.

IPL 2020 had to be postponed last year and was later held in the gulf country due to the pandemic. The entire tournament was held successfully as not a single positive case was detected after the tournament started.

IPL 2021 to be held in India:

With the pandemic situation gradually improving in India, the BCCI is positive about hosting IPL 2021 in the country. The board has reportedly shortlisted Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru as the final six venues to stage the tournament. Recent reports suggested that Mumbai might not host the tournament due to  the spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra. But Mumbai looks likely to host the games as the BCCI is set to entirely restrict crowd from all venues. According to the Times of India, a final call on the matter is expected to be taken in the next IPL governing council meeting on Sunday.

“If fans are not being allowed, then why host the IPL at multiple venues in the first place? What is considered as home advantage in a tournament like the IPL? Fans, right? If there are no fans allowed, then why have the tournament at multiple venues and risk travel?” those tracking the developments told the news outlet.

The board is also mulling over the options on how to conduct the matches in the upcoming season. As per the reports, the BCCI has zeroed in on three possible formats that can be utilised. The first option – a caravan model where teams will move in clusters and be part of an easily buildable bio-bubble. The second option being considered is specific venues being allotted to all eight teams where they can play their matches on a home and away basis. The third option is making the franchises play at multiple venues and just one game at their home venue. The third option, however, is unlikely to receive support from the franchises.

“Just imagine, there’s IPL in Chennai but Dhoni plays in Mumbai or Kolkata or Bangalore but not at his home ground. Or there are matches in Mumbai but Mumbai Indians play their matches in Delhi. What sense will that make? Teams are particularly unhappy with option C. If there are no fans, then why multiple venues? If we must have multiple venues, then why not allow home matches? A bit of logic is missing here,” the news outlet quoted a source as saying.