IPL 2021 in India ? Will Indian Premier League 2021 be held in India or not? It is a question which has been on fans’ mind for long now. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dropped a big update on the matter.
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday said that they are trying to host it bring back IPL to the country as “it is a tournament for India”. However, BCCI will assess the situation before taking a final decision. IPL 2021 is scheduled to be held between March and May next year.
“We are very much trying because it is a tournament for India. People spoke about the success of the IPL, I told all of them that you have to be in India to see what IPL is to India,” Ganguly said at a webinar organised by Livinguard.
“Domestic season will start shortly. India is touring England (in 2021). It’s a lot easier having bilateral series, because the number of people is much less. When it gets to eight teams or more, it is difficult. We are trying to hold the IPL in India but we have to assess the situation. Many are talking about a second wave, I have heard the numbers have gone up in Mumbai and Delhi. So, we have to monitor it and ensure that things are in order,” Ganguly added.
Meanwhile, fans can expect some big changes in IPL 2021.
IPL 2021: 4 possible big changes in IPL 14
Playing format: Reportedly, IPL 2020 will have 9-10 teams instead of eight and the addition of new teams can drive the management to come up with a new format. With 9-10 teams expected in the competition next year, the Governing Council of IPL might do away with round-robin format and instead divide teams into groups.
Increase the number of overseas players allowed in playing XI: As per the current rule, each IPL team may not name more than 4 foreign players in its starting eleven for any match. To maintain the quality of the competition franchises want 5 foreigners in playing11. IPL management is most likely to increase the number of foreign players a team can name in the playing XI to maintain the high quality of the competition. With more overseas players in the mix of things, the tournament will become more competitive and thrilling.
Power Surge: IPL which is known for innovations can also make a small change in Power Play rule on the lines of what Big Bash League has introduced this year. BBL is introducing ‘Power Surge’ rule from the forthcoming edition.
The Power Surge will consist of a two-over period during which the fielding team is allowed only two players outside the inner fielding circle. The batting side can call for this at any point from the 11th over of their innings. The fielding restrictions replicate those of the usual Powerplay at the beginning of an innings. Meanwhile, the Powerplay has been reduced to four overs.
IPL too may get tempted to introduce the same next edition. Earlier Zinger Bails and Jumbotrons were introduced by BBL and then it was used in the Indian Premier League.
X-factor Player: This is another rule that has been introduced in the latest season of BBL and can be implemented in IPL 2021. An X-factor Player is named as either the 12th or 13th player on the team sheet. He can come into the game beyond the 10th over of the first innings and replace any player who is yet to bat or has bowled no more than one over.