The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are in talks for having crowds in the stands during the second phase of the IPL 2021. The remainder of this edition’s IPL is scheduled to take place in the UAE in September-October.
"As hosts, ECB will work closely with the authorities to seek approval on what protocols need to be followed -- this includes fan attendance, we will then discuss it with the BCCI as well as the ICC to assess their spectator requirements. We want our ex-pat and Emirati sports-loving fans in the UAE to be able to watch the action from the stands," ECB general secretary Mubashir Usmani told Gulf News.
As per some reports, the UAE government has allowed 60 percent capacity for the IPL games.
The competition was earlier being held in India before it was suspended on May 4 after there were instances of positive Covid-19 cases within the franchises.
The tournament will now resume in the UAE on September 19 where Mumbai Indians will lock horns with Chennai Super Kings.
A total of 31 matches will be played in the second leg and Dubai will host the final on October 15, a couple of days prior to the beginning of the World T20 which will be co-hosted by UAE and Oman.