The second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) scheduled to begin from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates is likely to witness the return of the crowds.

Gulf News quoted Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) general secretary Mubashir Usmani saying that he is in conversation with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the UAE government to allow crowds in the stadiums for the IPL 2021.

According to Usmani, the ECB will work closely with the BCCI and the UAE government to gain consent for the processes that must be followed in order for supporters to return to the stadium.

Rajasthan Royals releases Shivam Dube, Yashasvi Jaiswal after Mumbai squad named for Oman tour

"As hosts, ECB will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed. This includes fan attendance. We will then discuss it with the BCCI as well as the ICC to assess their spectator requirements. We want our expat and Emirati sports-loving fans in the UAE to be able to watch the action from the stands," Usmani said.

Reports have also suggested that the UAE government has given permission to allow 60 percent capacity of the crowd in the stadium for the remaining matches.

Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians will clash on Sept 19. A total of 31 matches including the playoffs and the final are to be played in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.

(IANS inputs)