IPL 2021: Franchises unhappy with BCCI's plan of hosting the tournament across six venues

The much-anticipated 14^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner, however, things are still uncertain as there is still no major clarity on the venue. The amazing cricketing spectacle has been a sensational hit amongst the fans in India where cricket is touted to be a religion and the players are hailed for their deeds on the playing arena. According to the recent reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is very much keen to conduct IPL 2021 in six states across the country namely, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Kolkata.

IPL 2021: Franchises are feeling scared with BCCI’s six venue plans

Earlier there were reports which suggested that the entire league-stage of IPL 2021 could possibly be held in Mumbai. However, with Maharashtra looking as the epicentre of the second COVID-19 wave having recorded more than 8,700 cases on February 25, the BCCI is thinking of back-up plans and the officials also want to take the game to more fans. But some of the IPL franchises are not convinced with the recent developments as the franchise representatives have revealed that the previous idea of hosting IPL 2021 in just 2-3 venues was far better. The representatives also added that the teams had also started with their preparations thinking that the forthcoming edition will be staged in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad, but now the plans are looking completely changed.

“Obviously, it’s scary. The earlier idea of hosting it in one or two cities sounded far better. After all, the 2020 edition was conducted between three venues and it went well…Franchises had started preparing, thinking it was only going to be between Mumbai and Pune, with the playoffs in Ahmedabad. Those plans change now. Franchises will want to know more and that will happen soon,” said some franchise representatives to TOI.

IPL 2021: Format of IPL will stay the same reveal sources

It is also understood through recent sources that the format of IPL 2021 will have no changes. The global cricketing extravaganza will be played with a home-and-away format with each team scheduled to play 7 home and away games each. It is reported that the upcoming edition of the tournament would comprise of a total of 60 matches inside a proper bio-secure bubble environment which will help avoid any kind of confusion with regards to grouping of the 8 teams.

“The format of the tournament will not change. It’s the same home-and-away format, with each team hosting seven and travelling for the other seven. That’ll mean a total of 60 matches, like it is conducted every year. The grouping of teams is only to ensure that preparing bio-secure bubbles becomes easier and there’s less confusion,” concluded the source.

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