The Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) has decided to introduce a new rule in the UAE phase of IPL 2021. The second leg will be played from Setptember19 to October 15. 31 matches will be played across 27 days including the playoffs and the final. The Indian cricket board decided to postpone the season after players from various camps tested COVID positive back in April-May. 

IPL 2021: New Ball To Replace Old Ball When It Goes For Six

Meanwhile, the BCCI and the Emirate Cricket Board have decided to allow fans to enter into the stadiums for the remaining IPL season. This is the first time, fans will be welcomed back into the stadium for IPL since 2020. Meanwhile, as per reports in Insidesport, to avoid the possibility of the virus getting to the players, the BCCI has said that a new ball will be used every time the ball goes over the boundary and into the stands. The board had earlier released a 46-page health advisory for the players and the IPL franchises to be followed once they are in the UAE. 

Meanwhile, replacing the old ball with the new one will play into the batsmen from both sides. A newer ball will come onto the ball quickly than the old ball which will make strokes easier. Also given the dimension of the grounds in UAE, a batsman will need to hit the ball from the sweet spot for it to go for a six. 

Use of saliva will continue to be banned from the remaining season as well. If a player violates the rule he will receive a warning from the on-field umpires. The repetition of the mistake will result in a 5-run penalty from the batting team. 

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings face off in Abu Dhabi to kick off the UAE leg on September 19. The final game of the league stage will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals on October 8.

Also Read: IPL 2021: BCCI Releases Bio Secure Protocols, No Quarantine For Overseas Players

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