IPL 2021 to go on as per schedule: Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said that the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will go ahead as per schedule. The tournament is set to get underway on April 9 with the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The final is scheduled for May 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ganguly’s comments came just after the Maharashtra government announced a weekend lockdown to reduce the spread of the ungodly COVID-19 virus.

“Everything will go on as per schedule,” Ganguly was quoted as saying in Times Now. Nawab Malik, the state Cabinet Minister, mentioned that Maharashtra will go into strict lockdown from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am.

“A cabinet meeting took place today and some important decisions were taken related to COVID-19. Strict rules have been made and they will be enforced from 8 pm tomorrow. The night curfew will be in force from 8 pm to 7 am. During the daytime, section 144 will be in force from tomorrow prohibiting more than five people to gather at one place.

“A decision has been taken to shut down malls, restaurants, bars. Take away services will continue. Essential services will be allowed. Government offices will open with 50 percent capacity. Industries will continue,” he stated.

“A decision has also been taken to impose strict lockdown from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday in Maharashtra. The decision has been taken after consultations,” he added.

Mumbai to host 10 IPL games

Mumbai is set to host 10 IPL matches from April 10 to April 25. But prior to the tournament, the BCCI has found itself in a bit of a fix as groundstaff members at the iconic Wankhede Stadium have been tested positive for COVID-19. Four franchises- Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals (DC), and MI- are based in Mumbai.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are also based in Mumbai, but they will move to Chennai to play their first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 11. In the meantime, amidst the pandemic, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla also called for the players to get vaccinated.