IPL 2021 schedule & fixtures: 5 biggest changes that fans will see in IPL this season:After weeks of wait and assumptions, BCCI announced the IPL 2021 schedule and venues on Sunday. With the Indian Premier League back in India, it will be a treat for the fans who could not watch his favourite teams from the stands.
However, with the second wave of COVID-19, the IPL 2021 will not be the same as before. The tournament that begins on April 9 in Chennai will have no spectators in the initial league matches. But the restrictions might be eased and the fans could enjoy the final at the world biggest cricket stadium — Motera — in Ahmedabad. For IPL fans, InsideSport has listed the five biggest changes that they will see in the upcoming IPL 2021.
Neutral venues: Despite being played in India, IPL 2021 will have no home advantage as the matches league matches will be played at neutral venues. For example, defending champions Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign in Chennai against Royal Challengers Bangalore while Chennai Super Kings will play Delhi Capitals in Mumbai.
Early start for doubleheaders: In a shift to its broadcasting timings, the timings of the matches have been advanced by 30 minutes. Thus, the matches will retain the UAE’s 3.30 PM and 7.30 PM start. The first match of the doubleheaders will be played from 3.30 PM followed by the other match from 7.30 PM.
Closed doors: For the first time ever, the IPL will be played behind the closed doors due to COVID-19, at least in the initial stages. The BCCI said that a call on allowing spectators will be taken at a later stage in the tournament.
The most expensive player in IPL: IPL 2021 will see the most expensive player in the IPL history to pad up. South African all-rounder Chris Morris, who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore from the auction will want to enthral the crowd with his skills.
Final at the world’s largest cricket stadium: Finally, the IPL 2021 final will be played at the world’s largest stadium by capacity. With 1,10,000 capacity, it could surpass the crowd record set by Melbourne Cricket Ground. The MCG recorded 93,013 in the 2015 Cricket World Cup final. If the authorities decide to allow crowd for the IPL 2021 final, the revamped Motera stadium, also known as Narendra Modi Stadium, could set a new world record in cricket.