The Indian Premier League (IPL) games in Maharashtra are expected to draw twice as many fans starting April 5 than they did in the first week of the competition, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) notifying the relevant authorities for IPL to allow 50% spectators at all four locations.
According to The Hindu, the BCCI has asked the Mumbai Cricket Association and the Maharashtra Cricket Association to make plan IPL to allow 50% spectators from April 5 after receiving approval from the Maharashtra government.
A BCCI official acknowledged that, in addition to establishing logistical and security measures, suitable instructions have been provided to the ticketing partners.
The news comes just hours after the state government announced that all COVID-19 restrictions will be eliminated on April 1st. Before the IPL began, the BCCI announced, in collaboration with the state government, that all four IPL venues would be allowed 25% in-stadium attendance.
The state government has issued a new notification, according to BCCI and MCA sources, and the capacity at all four sites would be quadrupled beginning with Rajasthan Royals’ match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Wankhede Stadium on April 5.
The BCCI has directed the MCA and MHCA to ensure that stadiums are prepared for IPL to allow 50% spectators for the remainder of the IPL 2022 season.
To keep travel to a minimum and avoid flying, the BCCI opted to hold the league stage of the IPL 2022 in Maharashtra, with all 70 matches taking place at four stadiums. The venues were Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai, and MHCA Stadium in Gahunje, Pune.
Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium each held 20 matches, while Brabourne Stadium and MHCA Stadium will host 15 apiece; the playoff destination will be determined later.
The news of IPL to allow 50% spectators comes just hours after the state government announced that all COVID-19 restrictions will be eliminated on April 1st. The state government has issued a new notification, according to BCCI and MCA sources, and the capacity at all four sites would be quadrupled beginning with Rajasthan Royals’ match against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Wankhede Stadium on April 5.
