IPL 2021: League stage to be played in Mumbai, knockouts in Ahmedabad?
The 14 edition of the Indian Premier League has begun to take shape, as it would be held in India after 2020 was held in the United Arab Emirates. However, will the venues would be limited to just two, citing the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, along with a limited number of fans?
FollowThe 2021 Indian Premier League would be the 14th edition of the lucrative Twenty20 tournament, which is likely to be held in April-May. While the competition would be held in India, as 2020 was held in the United Arab Emirates, it is unclear whether the league stage matches would be held across the franchise's home venues or just one venue.
According to Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is contemplating hosting the entire league stage in Mumbai. It would be feasible with Mumbai, having three world-class grounds (Wankhede, Brabourne and DY Patil). Simultaneously, the knockouts can easily be held in Ahemdabad, at the redeveloped Sardar Patel (Motera) Stadium.
"From what I'm hearing and seeing, if England can come and tour, if the ISL can happen all in Goa, if Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) can happen across venues, I can't fathom the IPL moving out of India. I do believe the IPL will happen in India," he told ESPNCricinfo.
"I believe they're contemplating whether to have the league phase at one venue and playoffs at another venue. There's a lot of chatter about Mumbai being possibly being one venue because it has three grounds and enough practice facilities and Motera hosting the knockouts, but it's all unverified; it's all just what I am hearing," he added.
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On Thursday, the traditional pre-season mini-auction was held in Chennai. Most of the teams managed to grab hold of some interesting players, keeping in mind the venues' uncertainty. On the same note, Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore asserted that every franchise went out with the same mentality during the auction.
"Every team, you can see, has gone for that balance, to adapt to whatever conditions we're given. These are unusual times and we're all very supportive of the BCCI. That the IPL was held itself was fantastic given the pandemic. If it happens in India, we're supportive of working through that and if it's elsewhere too. Most important is the collective effort towards the tournament happening and in the most unimpeded way," Mysore told ESPNCricinfo.
Also, the decision of having fans at the venues is still uncertain, despite IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel affirming during the auction that fans are expected to be back for the tournament. Meanwhile, England is currently touring India, as fans were allowed at a 50% capacity from the second Test. At the same time, the Twenty20 Internationals (Ahmedabad) and One-Day Internationals (Pune), too, would have the same.
"This year is going to be big as well because of what it is. We'll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL. It's a decision we'll have to take very shortly. But, it's going to be another great tournament," Sourav Ganguly, BCCI President, had earlier stated.
