IPL 2021 set to begin on April 9: Details here
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (2021). While the cash-rich league begins on April 9 in Chennai, the final will take place on May 30 in Ahmedabad. Notably, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata will host the matches as IPL returns to India. Here is more.
Narendra Modi Stadium to host the playoffs, final
The world's largest cricket stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will host the IPL 2021 playoffs and the final on May 30. The newly-built stadium recently hosted the Day/Night Test between India and England.
A look at the relevant details
There will be a total of 11 double headers, with six teams playing three afternoon matches and two teams playing two afternoon matches. The afternoon games are scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST, while the evening games will have a 7:30 PM IST start. Although the tournament will be played behind closed doors, a call on allowing spectators could be taken eventually.
Each team to play at four venues
It is interesting to note that each team is set to play at four venues during the league stage. Out of the 56 league matches, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru will host 10 matches each, while Ahmedabad and Delhi will host eight each.
Neutral venues one of the major highlights
Unlike the previous editions (in India), all the matches will be played at neutral venues this time. No team will play at their home venue, with all the eight teams playing at four out of six venues during the league stage. With this change, the franchises will now be devoid of the home advantage, which usually plays a massive role.
Mumbai Indians to face Royal Challengers Bangalore in opener
The 2021 season will kick-off on April 9 in Chennai with the high-octane clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Delhi Capitals, who were the runners-up in the last edition, will take on the mighty Chennai Super Kings in the second encounter. Notably, the league stage will run till May 23. Here is the full schedule of VIVO IPL 2021.
'BCCI confident of hosting IPL at home'
The BCCI, in a release, said that the tournament will follow all the required safety measures. "After hosting the tournament safely and successfully in the UAE last year with all safety protocols in place, the BCCI is confident of hosting the IPL at home with health and safety of players and all people involved being paramount," the release stated.
