IPL 2021 to be played in India from April 09 to May 30 at six venues

[MenInG]

In what comes as good news for Indian cricket fans, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to return to India. IPL 2021 will be played in India and is likely to get underway from April 09. The tournament was conducted in the UAE last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and was played across three venues - Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

However, this year the BCCI is keen on hosting the cash-rich league back home as the situation in the country is now under much control with vaccination drives undergoing across all states. As per a report in India Today, IPL 2021 will be conducted across six venues in India from April 09 to May 30.

Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru will be hosting the 52-day tournament which will have 60 matches overall. BCCI has already successfully conducted domestic tournaments like Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy in bio-secure bubbles while the ongoing India-England series is also being played in bio-secure conditions.

All eight teams will be staying in bio-bubbles across the six venues and it remains to be seen if fans will be allowed in all six venues. The 2020 edition of the tournament was played with no fans in the UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, fans have started returning to the stadiums across all parts of the world.

The ongoing Test series between India and England also saw fans return to the stadiums for the second encounter in Chennai and the third, fourth Test in Ahmedabad. BCCI is expected to allow crowds at certain venues where COVID-19 cases have dipped.

The IPL player auction for the 2021 season was conducted last month where all eight teams splashed the cash to strengthen their respective squads by roping in players of their choice. South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris became the most expensive buy at the IPL 2021 auction, and the most expensive buy of all-time in IPL history after being roped in by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...pril-09-to-may-30-at-six-venues-report/728916

Confirmed Fixtures

IPL 2021 Schedule: Full list of fixtures

DATE & DAY MATCH TIME (IST) VENUE

April 9, Friday Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 7:30 PM Chennai
April 10, Saturday Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 11, Sunday Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders 7:30 PM Chennai
April 12, Monday Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 13, Tuesday Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians 7:30 PM Chennai
April 14, Wednesday Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 7:30 PM Chennai
April 15, Thursday Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 16, Friday Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 17, Saturday Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad 7:30 PM Chennai
April 18, Sunday Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders 3:30 PM Chennai
April 18, Sunday Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 19, Monday Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 20, Tuesday Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians 7:30 PM Chennai
April 21, Wednesday Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad 3:30 PM Chennai
April 21, Wednesday Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 22, Thursday Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 23, Friday Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians 7:30 PM Chennai
April 24, Saturday Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders 7:30 PM Mumbai
April 25, Sunday Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 3:30 PM Mumbai
April 25, Sunday Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals 7:30 PM Chennai
April 26, Monday Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders 7:30 PM Ahmedabad
April 27, Tuesday Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 7:30 PM Ahmedabad
April 28, Wednesday Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad 7:30 PM Delhi
April 29, Thursday Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals 3:30 PM Delhi
April 29, Thursday Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders 7:30 PM Ahmedabad
April 30, Friday Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 7:30 PM Ahmedabad
May 1, Saturday Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings 7:30 PM Delhi
May 2, Sunday Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad 3:30 PM Delhi
May 2, Sunday Punjab Kings Vs Delhi Capitals 7:30 PM Ahmedabad
May 3, Monday Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore 7:30 PM Ahmedabad
May 4, Tueday Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians 7.30 PM Delhi
May 5, Wednesday Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings 7.30 PM Delhi
May 6, Thursday Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings 7.30 PM Ahmedabad
May 7, Friday Sunrisers Hyderabad v Chennai Super Kings 7.30 PM Delhi
May 8, Saturday Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Capitals 3.30 PM Ahmedabad
May 8, Saturday Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians 7.30 PM Delhi
May 9, Sunday Chennai Super Kings v Punjab Kings 3.30 PM Bengaluru
May 9, Sunday Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad 7.30 PM Kolkata
May 10, Monday Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders 7.30 PM Bengaluru
May 11, Tuesday Delhi Capitals v Rajasthan Royals 7.30 PM Kolkata
May 12, Wednesday Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders 7.30 PM Bengaluru
May 13, Thursday Mumbai Indians v Punjab Kings 3.30 PM Bengaluru
May 13, Thursday Sunrisers Hyderabad v Rajasthan Royals 7.30 PM Kolkata
May 14, Friday Royal Challengers Bangalore v Delhi Capitals 7.30 PM Kolkata
May 15, Saturday Kolkata Knight Riders v Punjab Kings 7.30 PM Bengaluru
May 16, Sunday Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bangalore 3.30 PM Kolkata
May 16, Sunday Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians 7.30 PM Bengaluru
May 17, Monday Delhi Capitals v Sunrisers Hyderabad 3.30 PM Kolkata
May 18, Tuesday Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals 3.30 PM Bengaluru
May 19, Wednesday Sunrisers Hyderabad v Punjab Kings 3.30 PM Bengaluru
May 20, Thursday Royal Challengers Bangalore v Mumbai Indians 3.30 PM Kolkata
May 21, Friday Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad 3.30 PM Bengaluru
May 21, Friday Delhi Capitals v Chennai Super Kings 7.30 PM Kolkata
May 22, Saturday Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals 7.30 PM Bengaluru
May 23, Sunday Mumbai Indians v Delhi Capitals 3.30 PM Kolkata
May 23, Sunday Royal Challengers Bangalore v Chennai Super Kings 7.30 PM Kolkata
May 25, Tuesday QUALIFIER 1 7.30 PM Ahmedabad
May 26, Wednesday ELIMINATOR 7.30 PM Ahmedabad
May 28, Friday QUALIFIER 2 7.30 PM Ahmedabad
May 30, Sunday FINAL 7.30 PM Ahmedabad

 

[Rana]

Considering how badly I am missing cricket because of this PSL void, this would be so welcome!

 

[Rajdeep]

Considering how badly I am missing cricket because of this PSL void, this would be so welcome!

Due to this lockdown we are watching more cricket than we normally do. I was also watching all PSL games but sadly it got called off. Now even watching Road Safety series showing on colours cineplex where Sachin, Lara and bunch of oldies playing

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Now even watching Road Safety series showing on colours cineplex where Sachin, Lara and bunch of oldies playing

So weird for a movie channel to air sports. Even Sony has their own sports channels now. Wonder why Viacom just doesn't launch a full-fledged sports network in India. Maybe bring CBS Sports Network from the US.

 

[OMB]

Maybe continue with 30% or 50% entry into stadiums.
Vaccination drive doesn't mean it is "open all doors". You can still get infected and pass it along too.
Just that the effect is less severe

 

[WengerOut]

Maybe continue with 30% or 50% entry into stadiums.
Vaccination drive doesn't mean it is "open all doors". You can still get infected and pass it along too.
Just that the effect is less severe

Vaccination means you wont get affected, atleast theoretically

 

[MenInG]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to host the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) without fans at the stadiums in India. IPL had to be shifted to UAE last year owing to the coronavirus pandemic but the tournament is all set to return to India this season with BCCI shortlisting multiple venues to host the tournament.

Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Dehli, Chennai, and Bengaluru have reportedly been shortlisted as the final six venues to stage the tournament. Mumbai was the only venue in doubt of having fans back at the stadium due to the latest spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra recently, however, now it seems BCCI might entirely restrict crowd from all venues.

As per a report in the Times of India, a final call on the matter is expected to be taken in the next IPL governing council meeting on Sunday. “If fans are not being allowed, then why host the IPL at multiple venues in the first place? What is considered as home advantage in a tournament like the IPL? Fans, right? If there are no fans allowed, then why have the tournament at multiple venues and risk travel?" - those tracking the developments told Times of India.

The BCCI is also mulling over the options on how to conduct the matches in the upcoming season. As per TOI, the board has figured out three formats that can be utilised. The first option - a caravan model where teams will move in clusters and be part of an easily buildable bio-bubble.

The second option being considered is specific venues being allotted to all eight teams where they can play their matches on a home and away basis. The third option is making the franchises play at multiple venues and just one game at their home venue. While teams like Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals are against the second format, the third option seems not feasible as the teams will only get to play a single game at home.

“Just imagine, there’s IPL in Chennai but Dhoni plays in Mumbai or Kolkata or Bangalore but not at his home ground. Or there are matches in Mumbai but Mumbai Indians play their matches in Delhi. What sense will that make?” say those part of the ecosystem. Teams are particularly unhappy with option C. “If there are no fans, then why multiple venues? If we must have multiple venues, then why not allow home matches? A bit of logic is missing here,” - those in the know-how of things told Times of India.

IPL 2021 is likely to get underway from April 09 and the likes of Chennai Super Kings have already begun their preparations for the new season.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...-likely-in-next-governing-council-meet/729160

 

[AMSS]

Hopefully no fans are allowed. We saw in the test series there's no adherence to any of the norms, from masks to distancing. Franchise owners can suck it and pay close attention to how it unraveled in PSL.

 

[OldWarHorse]

Learning from the PSL, they need to be extra vigilant this time out. The franchises are obviously a lot more sharper here but there will still be concerns. Will be interesting if they can pull it off without major hiccups.

And crowds need to be managed better. There is no point having 20%-30% capacity etc when everyone is seated right next to each other rather than spreading out which is why the limits are there in the first place. Their health should be of utmost importance as well.

 

[Ab Fan]

This year's IPL will be exciting especially with WT20 happening later in the year.

 

[Slog]

I don’t know if I’m losing my mind due to lockdown but it seems that there were threads on IPL matcheshere just few months ago.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Massive challenge to host such an event in India. A dry run for T20 world cup i think.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I don’t know if I’m losing my mind due to lockdown but it seems that there were threads on IPL matcheshere just few months ago.

You are alright. Last IPL ended in Nov 2020.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Hopefully Bumrah, Ishant, Shami and Siraj will skip last couple of IPL matches to stay fit for WTC final.

 

[MenInG]

Fixtures added to post#1

 

[MenInG]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament will begin in Chennai on April 9 and will be played across six venues, initially without spectators.

The world’s richest Twenty20 competition was shifted to the United Arab Emirates last year as India grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunday’s IPL governing council meeting decided to bring the tournament home but the pandemic forced several changes to how it would be played.

“The IPL this year at home will be played behind closed doors to begin with and a call on allowing spectators will be taken at a later stage of the tournament,” Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will host the playoffs as well as the May 30 final, with Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata being the other venues.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by India captain Virat Kohli, in the opening match.

“The fixtures have been mapped in a way that every team will travel only three times during the league stage, thus reducing commute and minimising risk,” Shah said.

“After hosting the tournament safely and successfully in the UAE last year … the BCCI is confident of hosting the IPL at home with health and safety of players and all people involved being paramount,” he added.

It will be a 52-day tournament with 60 matches in total.

 

[Devadwal]

Hopefully Bumrah, Ishant, Shami and Siraj will skip last couple of IPL matches to stay fit for WTC final.

Agree. Also there is no need for them to play every match .i have no problem with IPL but there is enough gap between IPL and next India international match so player can get enough rest & practice for next assignment

 

[RajBan]

Hopefully Bumrah, Ishant, Shami and Siraj will skip last couple of IPL matches to stay fit for WTC final.

Bumrah won't as MI likely to qualify for the final. Siraj can surely follow your suggestion as RCB will be out by then (for reasons we all know but may not admit )

 

[Rohan]

Wow, Ahmedabad got almost 12-13 matches. Charm of new stadium!!!

 

[King_Kohli]

England coach confirmed that if England players are needed for the IPL knock-outs they will stay back in India and will miss the first Test against New Zealand.

 

[Ab Fan]

So, England players now value playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL higher than playing for England against Kiwis? Am I dreaming with open eyes?

 

[Nov15]

Will the South African players be joining this IPL late? Pak vs SA T20 series gets over on 16th April. Then there‘ll be a mandatory quarantine after reaching India.

SA players could miss their first 4-5 IPL matches. Delhi Capitals will be worst hit without Rabada & Nortje.

 

[Rohan]

England coach confirmed that if England players are needed for the IPL knock-outs they will stay back in India and will miss the first Test against New Zealand.

Not setting good example. Tests should be the priority.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Think the PSL cancellation will be a great lesson for the IPL organizing committee. They are taking no chances whatsoever with the crowd and I imagine the bubble would be managed ultra-professionally as well.

 

[hitthestump]

Agree. Also there is no need for them to play every match .i have no problem with IPL but there is enough gap between IPL and next India international match so player can get enough rest & practice for next assignment

That$ not how it work$.

You, the fan, might value test cricket over anything else. However those whom get their coffers filled by pyjama cricket are the ones calling the shots i'm afraid.