The Indian Premier League is set to begin on April 9, 2021 amid a huge wave of Covid-19 cases in the country. Maharashtra state is the most affected in terms of Covid-19 cases as the state recorded 57,074 new cases and 222 deaths on Sunday. This is the highest single day spike since the disease knocked the doors. The Maharashtra government on Sunday, also announced a partial lockdown.
Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has said that the matches will take place in Mumbai despite the partial lockdown rules. This was reported by the website Cricbuzz. "We have had a call from the city municipal commissioner. The association has been assured that the lockdown measures will have no impact on the IPL games. The other cricketing activities will, however, have to be immediately stopped," said an MCA office-bearer. "Any cricket activity that is part of a bio-secure bubble will be permitted uninterrupted," he further confirmed.
Mumbai’s Wakhade Stadium will host the IPL matches from 10 to 24 April, 2021. As per the new IPL rules, no team would play at their home-grounds. Thus, six teams - Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Royals Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders - will be playing at the Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2021.
The first match will be played between CSK and DC.
The Maharashtra government laid out stricter rules to tackle this health emergency. The Maha government imposed a night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am and a weekend lockdown - from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday.