The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to host the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with the latter to host the playoff matches.
“As of now, the Board is mulling organising the league stage in Maharashtra, and the playoffs in Ahmedabad,” revealed a source to TOI.
Earlier it was reported that three stadiums in Mumbai - Wankhede, Brabourne & DY Patil - would be hosting the entire season this year. Now, the new report suggests that the playoff matches could be played at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.
It doesn't seem like the IPL would be hosted in the United Arab Emirates. "BCCI has finalised its decision to stage this year’s IPL in India, and move to the UAE only if the Covid situation in Maharashtra and the country gets worse," read the TOI report.
25% Crowd Allowed?
The Covid-19 situation in the country is improving and if the trend continues, fans would be allowed in the stadiums in all likelihood. “If the number of positive cases aren’t high around that time, the state government authorities are likely to allow around 25% capacity crowds for this year’s IPL," told the BCCI source to TOI.
The idea will be to replicate the arrangement done during India vs New Zealand Test match at Wankhede Stadium.
"As per that guideline, 50% capacity was allowed indoors, which means that corporate boxes, and perhaps the press box, could be filled up to 50% of the capacity,” a source told TOI.
The Maharashtra state govt has allowed the ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Mumbai and Pune.