The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced statewide lockdown-like curfew, starting April 14 till May 1, to curb the ever-increasing Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the state. Under the restrictions imposed, only essential goods shops will remain open, rest everything will remain closed. However, the transport service will remain operational.
Amid assumptions that Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at the Wankhede Stadium will be affected due to the curfew, a report in ANI confirmed that IPL 2021 matches set to take place at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium would be held as per the schedule.
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"No effect on Mumbai matches as we have special permission, everything will go ahead as planned and we will take all necessary precautions," the source told ANI.
10 matches of IPL are scheduled to be held in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Nine of these matches will start at 7:30 pm. Earlier, when the Maharashtra government had imposed a night curfew in the state from April 5, there was no impact on the IPL. The government had then allowed the teams to practice even after eight o'clock, strictly following the bio bubble protocols.
Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals will play their match in Mumbai on Thursday and then Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings will play against each other on Friday.
"We are imposing strict restrictions which will come into effect from 8 pm tomorrow. Section 144 to be imposed in the entire state from tomorrow. I will not term this as lockdown," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray while addressing the state.
"Local train and bus services for essential services only, petrol pumps, financial institutions associated with SEBI and construction work to continue, hotel/restaurants to remain closed only take-away, home deliveries allowed," he added.