Mumbai: The Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has held Hyderabad as a stand-by for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in the wake of the rise Covid-19 cases in India.
The focus is on Mumbai as Maharashtra is about to close. Although no official statement was made, there were indications of a lockdown by the state government.
“Hyderabad has emerged as a support venue if one or more of the six designated host cities could not hold their matches,” a report in ESPNcricinfo said on Saturday.
The report added that the board had not spoken to any of the franchises about a possible change in the venue.
The IPL 2021 will be held in six locations. While the first phase of the matches are being held in Chennai and Mumbai, the wagon is moving to the second phase to Ahmedabad and Delhi. The last phase of the league matches is being held in Bengaluru and Kolkata.
The play-offs and the final will be held in Ahmedabad at the end of May.
The matches are played behind closed doors without the public being allowed on the premises.
The IPL 2020 was held in the UAE due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the board has decided to host it in India this year.
India is also scheduled to host the T20 World Cup later this year.
Source: The Siasat Daily