IPL 2021 – Fans in Stadium: The 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) was played behind closed-doors but forthcoming IPL season is all set to welcome fans. According to a top BCCI official, the board is now confident to have IPL 2021 in India in April-May and are also sure that fans will be allowed in the stadium
“In last few days lot of positives have happened. With Covid-19 situation improving every passing day, one thing is certain now that IPL 2021 will happen in India and we are sure to have fans in the stadium. The official decision about dates, venues and other aspects will be taken at IPL GC meeting after auctions on Feb-18”, the top BCCI official told InsideSport.co
The ongoing 2nd test in Chennai is the first sports event in the country where fans are allowed in the stadium. More than 15,000 fans watched the match at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk as 50% in-stadia audience was allowed for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak.
According to the BCCI official, if series against England passes the test, fans will surely be allowed PAN-INDIA.
“If England series with fans goes off without any mis-happening then BCCI will hold the IPL allowing fans in stadia. We will see if the matches will be organized at limited venues – all of those decisions will be taken over next few days”
Also Read: IPL 2021: BCCI official declares, ‘confident of IPL 2021 in India with fans in stadium’
Fans entry in IPL can bring cheer and moolah for IPL Franchises
According to InsideSport estimates, each IPL franchise earns 25-40 Cr by hosting 8 IPL games in their home ground. This revenues source went missing during the IPL 2020 but in IPL 2021 it will again make a comeback.
High octane tournaments such as ICC T20 Men’s World Cup and IPL attract massive sponsorship interest that translates into active on-ground promotions and in-stadia advertising.
The return of the fans will bring in cheer for the sponsors who tend to activate brands during the IPL matches. With restricted moment in IPL 2020, brands could not activate much and that resulted in discounted value deals on IPL team sponsorships as well – all that will change this IPL.
IPL GC to meet in Chennai during the sidelines of IPL 2021 Auctions
Meanwhile all eyes currently are on IPL Auctions scheduled in Chennai on Feb 18th. The IPL Governing Council led by Brijesh Patel will meet in Chennai during the sidelines of auctions to decide on IPL Dates, fans entry and other organizational aspects of IPL 2021.
The IPL GC and BCCI members along with the franchise representatives will start assembling in Chennai on Tuesday-Wednesday to comply with the Covid-19 protocols set by the Indian board. There will be no quarantine requirement for the owners attending the auction but all the attendees will have to fulfill the criteria of two negative RT-PCR tests if they were to be part of the IPL auction on February 18.
Also Read:IPL 2021 auction: Top 5 T20 specialists who will be in biggest demand in IPL Auction
BCCI has made it mandatory for everyone attending the auction to have a have a COVID-19 test done 72 hours before the auction day and one on arrival at the venue, Grand Chola in Chennai. Once both test comes negative, concerned will be allowed to attend IPL Auctions.
According to the mail by BCCI to all franchise and BCCI members attending the IPL Auctions, “Please note that the team members attending the player auction in Chennai will need to do a RT-PCR test 72 hours before the auction date and submit the negative report. Further, there will a test done in Chennai at the venue for the members attending the auction”
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