There has been growing speculation surrounding the venue of IPL 2021 in the last two weeks after the end of the player auction in Chennai. BCCI reportedly planned to have the tournament across six cities, but three teams have raised concerns over this proposal. The latest report from ESPNcricinfo suggests that Mumbai is likely to be out of the reckoning to host IPL games this season.
The rise in coronavirus cases in Maharashtra and Mumbai has been considered as the reason behind BCCI’s decision to stage the tournament outside the western state of India. Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium has been hosting IPL games for Mumbai Indians since the start of IPL in 2008.
Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are venues that are reportedly considered by BCCI to hold the entire tournament. Meanwhile, Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development in Telangana has urged BCCI to consider Hyderabad as one of the venues for the tournament.
Open appeal to @BCCI and @IPL office bearers to include Hyderabad as one of the venues for upcoming IPL season
Our effective COVID containment measures are reflected in our low number of cases among all metro cities in India & we assure you of all support from the Govt
— KTR (@KTRTRS) February 28, 2021
Since these four venues have IPL teams, the other four franchises may consider it as an unfair advantage for home teams. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad has been previously reported as the venue for the knockout rounds of the tournament. One thing is looking certain that IPL 2021 will be going ahead in India. However, it is looking unlikely right now that games will be played in front of packed crowds due to the rise in coronavirus cases across the nation.
IPL teams are likely to begin training at their base camps in the coming weeks. The schedule for the tournament is yet to be released but it is expected to begin in the second week of April and end in the first week of June. Teams are also looking to sort out sponsorship deals as the tournament is few weeks away.