BCCI’s decision to allot IPL 2021 matches to only six venues hasn’t gone down well with some of the franchises as they won’t be getting an opportunity to play in front of the home crowd.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have raised objection over BCCI’s decision.

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The report also suggests that the Indian board is planning to stage the cash-rich tournament in Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi and Ahmedabad and has also kept the option of having games in Mumbai open.

"We three teams will be badly affected. The teams doing well are the ones who do well at home, win five or six home games and a few away, and that will take you through to the play-offs. Those five teams (Royals Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians) will have the home advantage, we will have to put up with all away game," Cricbuzz quoted a franchise official as saying.

The report further suggests that the three franchises have separately taken up the matter with BCCI CEO Hemang Amin and they also intend to collectively lodge a written protest.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad Cricket Association President Mohammed Azharuddin has offered support to conduct the matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

“I strongly support the appeal by @ktrtrs. Hyderabad is absolutely capable in handling and conducting @IPL as per @BCCI’s directives and preparing a bio-secure bubble,” Azharuddin tweeted on Sunday (February 28).

As per the report, the BCCI tried to clarify to these teams that it is helpless currently considering the COVID-19 situation. The board also reminded them that UAE (venue of the IPL 2020) was away from home.

However, the franchises have reportedly expressed that the UAE format was a level playing field since all teams played only away games.