The first phase of IPL 2021 was suspended indefinitely by BCCI after the Covid-19 spread in the camp. However, later it was announced the remainder of IPL will take place in UAE. In three venues Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Notably, the second half of IPL 2021 is all set to begin on September 19 in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meanwhile, The Sharjah cricket stadium has announced big upgrades before the tournament. Notably, Sharjah will host 10 IPL 2021 games and after that T20 World Cup will start in the stadium.
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“The newly re-laid wicket block will now accommodate six pitches in the centre, including four broadcasting and two practice pitches. They are currently building a new practice facility with four turf wickets and four astro-turf wickets to accommodate multiple teams during practice sessions. These will be ready in time for the IPL,” a media release stated on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Other upgrades on the indoor swimming pool, steam, and sauna have been done. Also a new state-of-the-art ‘fit capital gymnasium’ has been established. Meanwhile, 11 new VIP suites have been added alongside VIP grand dining area which provides top-notch facilities.
‘Sharjah magic’ is what differentiates the stadium from any other cricketing venue”: CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium Khalaf Bukhatir
The CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Managing Director of Bukhatir Group Khalaf Bukhatir asserted that the atmosphere at Sharjah is completely different from other stadiums in the world. Also, he talked about exciting moments that happened in IPL 2021. Moreover, he further added that fans’ participation in the event is still unknown.
“Sharjah’s atmosphere or as we like to call it the ‘Sharjah magic’ is what differentiates the stadium from any other cricketing venue in the UAE,” said Khalaf Bukhatir, Managing Director of Bukhatir Group and CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
“This was no more evident than at last year’s edition when we played host to some of the most exciting moments of the IPL. We still don’t know if we are welcoming cricket fans into the stadium this IPL, but we are certainly ready and looking forward to hosting some world-class cricket in a world-class, safe, and secure environment,” CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The first game in the second phase of IPL 2021 will be between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Meanwhile, the first game in Sharjah will be On September 24 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Also, Qualifier 2 on October 11 and the Eliminator on October 13 will be hosted by Sharjah.