IPL 2022: Maharashtra likely to allow 25 percent capacity crowd

IPL 2022: Maharashtra likely to allow 25 percent capacity crowd

Maharashtra Cricket Association (MHCA) and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will host the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Mumbai and Pune in 2022, with 70 league matches taking place at four venues. A quarter of the crowd is estimated to be able to enter the stadiums, so their favourite teams can be cheered on.

For the final T20I between India and Sri Lanka played in Dharamsala on Sunday (February 27), the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association was able to accommodate over 10,000 fans. This is a trend the BCCI hopes to continue. A white-ball series between India and West Indies and the first Twenty20I between India and Sri Lanka were played behind closed doors. 

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Mumbai and Pune will Host the IPL 2022

In a meeting with MCA officials on Sunday (February 27), Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray promised all help for the IPL and agreed that 25 per cent of crowds should be allowed. Mumbai will host 55 matches while Pune will host 15, according to Cricbuzz. As Cricbuzz reported, BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told Cricbuzz that it is ironic that Indian cricket has come full circle two years after an ODI against South Africa had to be postponed due to rain, despite the spectre of Covid 19 looming over the three-match series. In light of increasing cases of COVID-19 in India, Proteas refused to play the next two matches.

“Yes, we’ve come full circle. Indian cricket has taken on a new look since then. There has been no going back. In 2020, the Covid threat to Indian cricket was first noted in Dharamsala. It halted the game there. The Coronavirus subsequently forced the cancellation of matches in Lucknow and Kolkata. The fact that cricket has been revived with crowds from Dharamsala itself is great news. Both games were well attended and showed great enthusiasm. I hope Indian cricket will not be affected from here on,” the BCCI treasurer said.

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