The auction for IPL 2021 has been organized successfully. The IPL GC is yet to announce the final dates, schedule and foremost the venue for the mega tournament.
According to the co-owner of Delhi Capitals, Parth Jindal, who gave hints towards the possibility of hosting the league stage matches of the mega tournament playing at Mumbai this year.
Jindal also hinted that the knockout stages might be hosted at the newly-built Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, he also added that these claims are still unverified. “From what I’m hearing and seeing, if England can come and tour, if the ISL (Indian Super League) can happen all in Goa, if Vijay Hazare Trophy (domestic 50-over competition) and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20 competition) can happen across venues, I can’t fathom the IPL moving out of India. I do believe the IPL will happen in India,” Jindal stated.
“I believe they’re contemplating whether to have the league phase at one venue (city) and playoffs at another venue. There’s a lot of chatter about Mumbai being possibly being one venue because it has three grounds (Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, DY Patil Stadium) and enough practice facilities, and Motera (Ahmedabad) hosting the knockouts, but it’s all unverified, it’s all just what I am hearing,” he further added.
Jindal also included that if the IPL is hosted in Mumbai for the league matches, it would be beneficial for Delhi, as most of the players hail from the city. However, it is not confirmed as the city is witnessing a soar in Covid-19 cases.
“If you look at our selection of Steven Smith, we felt the wickets in Mumbai will suit his style of batting. The fact that we have so many Mumbai boys – Prithvi [Shaw], Jinks [Ajinkya Rahane], Shreyas [Iyer] helps. Mumbai has true bounce, the ball moves a bit because it’s on the coast, and all that played a role,” added Jindal.
“The other option is being mulled right now is, why not open up all venues, go everywhere and show the world we’re ready for the T20 World Cup? They [BCCI[] are still unsure, I think it all depends on how the covid situation plays out in India over the next two weeks,” he stated.
