IPL 2021: Mohammad Azharuddin offers BCCI to host the league in Hyderabad

The coronavirus is rising in India and this can potentially hamper the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) plans of conducting the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India smoothly from April 9 to May 30. The BCCI and IPL governing council have been faced with concerns after it is learned that as many as eight groundsmen have tested positive for coronavirus at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

The Wankhede Stadium is scheduled to host 10 matches of the IPL 2021 league stage from April 10 to April 25 with the first game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Owing to the sudden rise in the number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai, the authorities are faced with two thoughts about conducting the league in the city.

Though they have kept Hyderabad and Indore as backup venues, there are been no confirmation regarding the rescheduling of the T20 extravaganza. Meanwhile, the former Indian skipper and Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president Mohammad Azharuddin offered the Indian board to host the IPL 2021 in Hyderabad in a secure environment.

The veteran took to his official Twitter handle to make this proposal.”In these difficult times, there are all the more reasons for us to stand by each other. Hyderabad Cricket Association would like to offer its facilities to @BCCI to ensure that IPL2021 is conducted in safe and secure venues,”  Azharuddin wrote.

In these difficult times there is all the more reasons for us to stand by each other. Hyderabad Cricket Association would like to offer its facilities to @BCCI to ensure that IPL2021 is conducted in safe and secure venues.

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) April 4, 2021

BCCI yet to take a decision on change of venue for IPL 2021

Notably, as many as four franchises including the likes of  Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals have set up their practice and training camps in Mumbai as Chennai and Mumbai are scheduled to host the first half of the league phase.

Speaking about the potential change in venues, a source close to the development said as quoted by Times Now News, “We are keeping a close eye on each venue regarding Covid-19 cases, as of now no decision has been taken but Indore and Hyderabad are on standby. Will see what to be done, health and safety of players is of utmost importance,” 

In addition, Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been dealt with massive blows ahead of the marquee event as DC’s all-rounder Axar Patel and RCB’s opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal have tested positive for coronavirus

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