IPL 2021 resumes with CSK v MI! All you need to know

As a massive cricket fan, it feels like Indian Premier League 2021 has been dragged on forever. Although the second leg of IPL 2021 is off to a dashing start. Before we get into what will happen; Let’s recap a little on what has happened in the past few months.

Bio-bubble Breach

The story begins with a crack in the system. Amid the Covid-19 crisis in India, IPL 2021 was running smoothly with minor issues. At this point the country was already falling short on oxygen with deaths skyrocketing. Every day was a new record.

• To minimize risk of transmission IPL 2021 was being conducted through a two-venue cluster caravan model.
• Bio-bubble system comes in play, imposed with strict regulations. A complete isolation from the outer world or so we thought.
• Spinner Varun Chakravarthy visits the doctors for medical attention.
• Bowler Sandeep Warrier tests positive first, which leads to Chakravarthy.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) gets postponed; first IPL 2021 match to be rescheduled.
• The Board Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcement,

“The teams are not playing to win, rather for something far important, “Humanity.”

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 Suspended

Three days after the first match postponement, other franchises report Covid-19 cases in the bio-bubble.

• Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad skip practice amid the fear of contracting the deadly Covid-19 variant in India.
• Chennai Super Kings Vs Rajasthan Royals game postponed in May 15.
• Chennai Super Kings squad goes to quarantine.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad reports positive Covid-19 cases.
• IPL 2021 postponed under further notice.
• The Board Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcement,

“The BCCI didn’t want to risk the safety of the player, supporting staffs and organizing members. The decision is made keeping the health, safety, and wellbeing of all the stakeholders in mind.”

BCCI to lose 2000 crore due to IPL 2021 suspension.

Right after the IPL 2021 postponement news, which by the way was still fresh in the air. The loss estimation was already in motion.

• BCCI set to lose over 1690 crore, from Star Sports alone. A five-year contract only half of the equations.
• Hefty loss through mobile manufacturers and associate sponsorship.
• Approximate calculation came down to 2200, although the sheer total can be much more.
• India’s ability to host T20 world Cup is doubtful due to the pandemic crisis.
• The Board Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly states,

“Travelling between the cities for the match could have caused the breach in the bio-secure bubble.
The way the number of people is getting affected daily is total madness. No one knows what is going to happen tomorrow.”

BCCI Shortlist three possible venue for remaining half of IPL 2021.

• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Australia

BCCI unveils a new plan and schedule to resume IPL 2021.

• A possible window of 25 days to finish the 31 remaining matches.
• August or September in consideration.

UAE, the final venue for IPL 2021

After successfully hosting IPL 2020, UAE becomes the best possible venue for the second leg of IPL 2021.

Mumbai Indians strives against Chennai Super Kings

As the 14^th edition of IPL is scheduled to resume on the 19^th of September. The first clash between the five-time IPL champion and three-time IPL champion is stirring up the heat.

This would not have been possible without support from Caribbean Premier League (CPL). CPL dates have been adjusted to start on 26^th August and conclude on 15^th September.

After long hardship and obstacles; the IPL 2021 is about to bring frustration, cheers, celebration as well as broken hearts all to the table. What a fierce start to this year’s long-awaited IPL edition.

The three venues listed for the remaining half of IPL 2021 are:

Abu Dhabi– Eight matches

Dubai– 13 matches

Sharjah– Ten matches

The qualifiers will be hosted as follows:

Dubai: First Qualifier to begin from 10th October 2021

City of Sharjah: Second Qualifier to begin from 11th October 2021. Whereas, the Eliminator will start from 13th October 2021.

The IPL 2021 Schedule is as follows: