IPL 2021 to be played from April 9 to May 30 across six venues: Reports

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on April 9 if the recent reports are to be believed. A lot of speculations were being made around the BCCI managing to host the tournament in India amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Though crowds are returning to the stadiums and cricket has resumed to the fullest in the country, the rise in cases over the last week or so in some states has raised concerns.

However, the Indian board seems confident of hosting the whole tournament in the country this time around after moving the 13th edition to the UAE. The tournament was delayed last year and played during the September-November period due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the world.

Ever since IPL 2020 ended, BCCI has time and again maintained its stance of playing the tournament in India this year. Moreover, managing to host Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophy along with hosting England in the four-match Test series successfully has made them confident. Though nothing has been confirmed by the board yet, India Today reported that the IPL 2021 will commence on April 9.

Mumbai set to host IPL matches

Moreover, the report further stated that BCCI has zeroed in on six venues, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, where bio-bubble will be created for 60 matches to take place across 52 days. Earlier, there was uncertainty around Mumbai hosting any matches with the spike in COVID cases but the local government ensured full support to the board for the same.

It was reported that the meeting between BCCI, MCA officials and Sharad Pawar yielded positive results and the discussions were also held regarding allowing the crowd for the matches. “The general impression at the meeting was that it should be just like in Ahmedabad or Chennai, where the 50 percent crowds are/were allowed,” one of the members involved in a meeting told Cricbuzz.

In the ongoing matches between India and England in Chennai and Ahmedabad, 50% crowds have been allowed and it remains to be seen if the fans will get to watch matches live during the IPL 2021.