The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises won’t have to endure the pain of Mumbai’s infamous traffic while travelling to the stadiums and training venues as the Maharashtra government has assured the BCCI of a dedicated traffic lane for the tournament, The Indian Express reported.

The cash-rich event will get underway on March 26 with the clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). A total of 70 league matches will be played across four venues in Mumbai and Pune.

While Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium will host 20 matches, 15 matches, 20 matches respectively, Pune’s MCA International Stadium will stage 15 games of the IPL 2022.

Mumbai Cricket Association’s ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex and Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Thane have been identified as training venues for the teams.

Keeping in mind the travel distance between the venues and the team hotel, the Maharashtra government has extended ‘full support’ to the BCCI, promising a separate road corridor for the teams.

“Maharashtra government is going to fully support BCCI to organise a successful IPL. The decision regarding allowing crowds will be decided by Chief Minister Hon’ble Uddhav Thackeray,” Milind Narvekar, chairman of MCA’s governing council, told The Indian Express.

For the IPL 2022 games, the Maharashtra government will reportedly allow crowds of up to 25 percent of the stadium capacity.

(Inputs from The Indian Express)