IPL 2021 schedule: Mumbai Indians kick-start title defence against RCB on April 9

The 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League would be the 14th edition of the world's cash-rich and greatest Twenty20 league. Mumbai Indians is the record five-time defending champion. The tournament would be held in India from April 9, with Ahmedabad hosting the final.

The Indian Premier League 2021 is once again all set to grip the cricket-crazy nation in Twenty20 fever. The schedule for the 14th edition of the tournament has been announced, which is slated to get underway from April 9.

The tournament's official announcement was made on Sunday, as it would be held in India, across six venues (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata). Notably, none of the teams would have a home advantage this season, as all the matches would be held at neutral venues.

The five-time champion, MI, would get its title defence underway against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Delhi. Meanwhile, the playoffs would all be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, including the final.

Also, there would be 11 doubleheaders, with the afternoon matches starting at 3.30 PM and the evening matches beginning at 7.30 PM. In the meantime, the players will have to adhere to the strict norms of the bio-bubble. As for travelling, it has been limited to thrice during the season.

Furthermore, the matches would be played behind closed doors during the initial phase of the tournament. However, a decision on allowing the crowd at a later stage during the competition would be taken in due course.