IPL 2021 will not be affected with partial lockdown in Maharashtra

The ongoing second wave of the coronavirus pandemic will not affect the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) too, which is scheduled to start from April 9 in Chennai. Recently, as many as 10 groundsmen of the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

This was followed by Delhi Capitals’ all-rounder Axar Patel, a member of Chennai Super Kings’ content team, and Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal returning positive Covid-19 results. Adding to the misery, owing to a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the state, the Maharashtra government has announced a partial lockdown in the state.

As per the guidelines issued by the government, a night curfew has been announced on the weekdays from 8 pm to 7 am followed by a complete lockdown on weekends from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday. Many feared that this can affect the plans of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as Mumbai is scheduled to host as many as 10 games from April 10 to April 25 with the first fixture between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 10.

A franchise official comments on the ongoing situation

However, a member of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has confirmed that the curfew won’t affect the upcoming T20 Extravaganza and the activities related to that will be conducted without any roadblocks.

“We have had a call from the city municipal commissioner. The association has been assured that the lockdown measures will have no impact on the IPL games. The other cricketing activities will, however, have to be immediately stopped. Any cricket activity that is part of a bio-secure bubble will be permitted uninterrupted,” an office-bearer of the MCA told Cricbuzz. 

An official from one of the franchises commented on the statement by the member of MCA saying that it’s a big relief as they can practice without any hindrance for the T20 Championship. As of now, four teams have set up their camps in Mumbai namely CSK, DC, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. “The assurance is a big relief,” said an official of a franchise that is based in Mumbai.

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