Crowds will be allowed to watch the matches from the stands in the second phase of IPL 2021, scheduled to commence on September 19, a BCCI statement confirmed on Wednesday. Meanwhile, fans will be allowed at the IPL for the first time since the 2019 edition.

IPL 2021 which was suspended in early May amid the COVID-19 scare, resumes in the UAE and will be played at three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. In 2020, too, the BCCI shifted the IPL to the UAE where the entire tournament was played behind closed doors.

The first half of this year’s IPL started in India on April 9, was also played behind closed doors. However, much to the delight of the cricket lovers, fans in the UAE will be able to watch the games from the stadium, BCCI said in a statement.

“The VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 resumes with the five-time champions and current title holders Mumbai Indians taking on three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 19,” BCCI wrote in a statement. 

NEWS – VIVO IPL 2021 set to welcome fans back to the stadiums.

More details here – https://t.co/5mkO8oLTe3 #VIVOIPL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) September 15, 2021

“This match will be a momentous occasion as IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to Covid-19 situation,” it added. 

Fans can buy tickets starting September 16 for the remainder of the tournament on the official website. Matches will be played with limited seating available keeping in mind the Covid protocols and UAE government regulations.

Delhi Capitals on top of the points table in IPL 2021

Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals are currently on top of the points table with 12 points from eight matches. Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore are placed second and third respectively with 10 points each followed by defending champions Mumbai Indians.

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