The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has shortlisted six cities to conduct the 14th edition of the Indian T20 League, reports Times of India.
According to the report, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata have been shortlisted to host the tournament.
Interestingly, the Indian cricket board had initially decided to host the group stages of the tournament in two cities – Pune and Mumbai, before the play-offs and final was set to be played in Ahmedabad.
The franchises are, however, unhappy with the development as the earlier season of the cash-rich league was held seamlessly across three venues in the UAE.
“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,” a franchise representative said.
The report has further claimed that Hyderabad has not been shortlisted because of concerns regarding the local cricket association.
The Maharashtra government has given its green signal to host games in Mumbai amidst an increase in virus cases but the matches will be played without spectators. However, in other cities, 50 per cent of fans may be allowed, according to the report.
"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 will 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 become easier and there's less confusion," the TOI quoted an official as saying.
The Indian T20 League 2021 is tentatively set to be held from the second week of April to the opening week of June and franchises have been informed about the decision.
Feature image courtesy: IPL, BCCI 2021.
