Just days before the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Maharashtra government on Sunday, April 4, announced new restrictions and weekend lockdowns amid an alarming spike in the coronavirus cases.
With Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium being one of the six venues where matches will be held over the next two months, many were left wondering how things would proceed. Meanwhile, the growing number cases at the Wankhede stadium has reached to 10 now. Also, three IPL players have already tested positive. While one has recovered, the other two – Axar Patel and Devdutt Padikkal – are yet to recover and get back with the team.
However, Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has clarified that there will be no impact on the IPL activities despite the latest government orders to curb the spread of COVID-19 virus in the state.
According to sources, an MCA official said that the BMC commissioner has assured the association that the lockdown measures will have no impact on the IPL games. The other cricketing activities will, however, have to be immediately stopped.
The MCA official also confirmed that the IPL teams can continue to practise normally. Moreover, any cricket activity that is part of a bio-secure bubble will be permitted uninterrupted.
The sources also stated that not just the teams, but also the buses and drivers and everything is inside the bio-secure bubble. So, travelling to the stadium on match-days will not be a problem. Regular tests are being done on those working around the teams as well just like it was last year in the UAE. The curfew won't hurt travel to and from the stadium
Moreover, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly also confirmed that everything will go as per schedule.
Besides, Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik said that the government has granted permission to conduct IPL matches but they will be allowed to play with certain restrictions. "People are not allowed to sit in the stadium, only relays can be done. Players and others involved in IPL will be required to isolate themselves at the same place," added Malik.
Though the fans have urged to either cancel or postponed the IPL matches amid the pandemic.
Mumbai is scheduled to host 10 games and some of them are on the weekends, including the first match, which is between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
The Mumbai leg runs from April 10 to 24 with six teams - Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Royals Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders - playing at the Wankhede Stadium.
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