In a major boost to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Maharashtra government has allowed the teams to train in Mumbai beyond 8pm, clearing the decks for the city to host the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) fixtures despite the state imposing stricter restrictions till April 30 due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In a letter addressed to Hemang Amin - the interim CEO of the BCCI - the Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Maharashtra, on Monday, has given permission to host the 10 matches and the practice sessions "subject to scrupulous adherence to the bio-bubble."
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Signed by under secretary, Shrirang Gholap, the letter - a copy of which is in possession of Sportstar - stated: "It has been stated by you in the letter that 10 matches of the IPL are due to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Out of the 10 matches, 9 are scheduled to start at 7.30 pm. Considering the match timings, teams practicing at the CCI and MCA are scheduled to practice in two sessions - from 4pm and 6.30pm and 7.30pm and 10 pm."
"Accordingly, permission has been requested for teams and IPL staff be allowed to practise inside the grounds after 8pm and they may be allowed free movement from the ground to their respective hotels after the said time.
"Accordingly, permission is hereby accorded for the said request subject to scrupulous adherence to the bio-bubble as mentioned in the earlier letter from the State government dated 24th March, 2021 as well as other conditions mentioned in the said letter," the letter added.
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The letter has also been marked to the Municipal commissioner of Mumbai and also to the Commissioner of Police.
After a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, the Maharashtra government announced stricter restrictions - including total lockdown during the weekends. Among the relevant measures announced included a night curfew from 8 pm to 7 am and a weekend lockdown - from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday.
That had led to question marks over the Mumbai leg, even though the BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly told Sportstar on Sunday that there won't be any changes to the schedule.
Starting from April 10, Mumbai will host 10 IPL fixtures - involving Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.
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Two more test positive
Meanwhile, two more staffers at the Wankhede Stadium have tested COVID-19 positive. It is learnt that a groundsman and a casual labourer have contracted the virus on Monday. A dozen MCA personnel at Wankhede have so far been found to be COVID-19 positive.
However, the BCCI and MCA officials are confident that it will not affect the games.
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