Hyderabad has emerged as a back-up venue option, should one or more of the six designated host cities not be able to hold their matches.
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The BCCI has decided to keep Hyderabad as a back-up venue option, considering the growing number of COVID-19 cases in India. This information obtained from a report in Cricinfo has emerged as an area of concern with the first match of IPL 2021 just a few days away. Reports have further emerged that eight Wankhede stadium ground staff tested positive for the coronavirus. Maharashtra has witnessed an alarming surge in cases lately. Many fear that the state could be headed for another lockdown, if the scenario does not improve soon.
“Today, I am giving an indication for a complete lockdown, but not announcing it formally,” said Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray as quoted by Cricinfo. “If things do not improve visibly in a couple of days and if no other solution is found, we will have to announce another lockdown like it is being done globally.”
Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bangalore are similarly in the middle of a COVID-19 surge. Franchises however have not been informed about the possibility of a move to Hyderabad. They remain confident about the upcoming edition going ahead as scheduled.
Mumbai will host its first match of IPL 2021 on April 10 when Chennai Super Kings take on Delhi Capitals. All the games in the season will be held behind closed doors. The same was the case in the previous edition of the cash-rich league held in the UAE.
BCCI has been assured by the state, that this alarming development wouldn’t have an impact on the IPL bubbles. Four teams will be starting their IPL 2021 campaign in Mumbai. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals are those franchises.
The players are staying in separate accommodations. Special attention is being paid towards ensuring no contact with anyone outside the bubble.
India recorded 89,129 new cases of COVID -19 on April 2.
