14th edition of IPL 2021 to run as per schedule; Matches in Mumbai permitted with restrictions
The first IPL match in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will be played on April 10 between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister on Monday confirmed that IPL 2021 matches at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium would go ahead as planned. All matches slated to take place here, have been granted permission with restrictions in view of the eminent COVID-19 spread and the consequent situation of night curfews and weekend lockdowns. As per the tournament programme, the first match in Mumbai will be played on April 10 between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
An empty stadium for IPL, yet again
The BCCI President on Sunday announced that all proceedings of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League will go as per schedule. While this clashed with Maharashtra's decision to observe weekend lockdown, on Monday, restricted permissions were awarded to conduct IPL matches at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The crowd would not be allowed to enter the stadiums and all participants - teams and support staff will have to stay in isolation, in one place. It has been made clear that there can be no overcrowding, as well.
This IPL, Mumbai will serve as a home ground to 4 franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Accordingly, about 10 games will be played here between April 10 to April 25.
BCCI mulls over players' COVID vaccination
BCCI is further planning to get all IPL players' vaccinated ahead of the league and the Vice President of the cricket board will also get in touch with the Health Ministry for the same. As of now, the association is thinking about the idea and has informed that they will get in touch with the ministry to act upon it.