In what is welcoming news for the Indian Premier League (IPL) fans in the UAE, the tournament has announced that when the IPL 2021 resumes in the desert nation, the fans will be allowed in the stadiums to enjoy the match cheer for their favorites.
The IPL 2021 will resume with the five-time champions and current title holders Mumbai Indians taking on three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 19.
The IPL 2021 had to be suspended after playing 29 matches due to COVID breakout in the franchise’s bio-bubbles resulting in several players, coaches, and support staff testing positive for the dreaded virus.
Later the BCCI shifted the remainder of the tournament to the UAE, which had successfully hosted the entire IPL 2020 in venues like Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
“This match will be a momentous occasion as IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to the Covid-19 situation. Fans can buy tickets starting September 16 for the remainder of the tournament on the official website www.iplt20.com. Tickets can also be purchased on PlatinumList.net.
Matches will be played at Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi with limited seating available keeping in mind the Covid protocols and UAE government regulations,” the official IPL statement stated.
The biggest reason behind getting back the crowds could be the fact that the vast majority of the public in the UAE has been fully vaccinated.
The exercise though will function as a rehearsal for both the local governments in the UAE and the BCCI for the 2021 men's T20 World Cup, which starts on October 17. While the first round of the World Cup will be played in Oman, the Super 12s and the knockouts will be hosted in the UAE, ESPNCricinfo reported.
(IPL/ESPNCricinfo inputs)
