Another year, another season for the Indian Premier League. Although the past season was a very challenging time not only for the fans but also to every team and to everyone involved in the sports, as people had seen all of the sports get closed down and all games get suspended due to the restrictions caused by the threat of the pandemic. Now, as things start to pick up a gear again, so does sports–which means that a new season is something to watch out for.
While the odds and lines to bet today on IPL match are available, nothing is certain yet and these numbers would still change as the start date draws near. In the meantime, here are some of the most important things that you need to know about the IPL 2021.
IPL back in India for 2021
If 2020 was anything for the Indian Premier League, it was a very tough and challenging year for the teams and the entire league as a whole. Due to the worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic in India (as well as the many parts of the world, too), the BCCI decided to continue the 2020 season outside of India. To date, while games have been played outside of the country in the past, it was never as “forced” as it has been for the entire 2020 situation. This entire situation also put great stress on players as they were forced to play more games with tighter gaps to catch up to schedule as much as possible.
Now, the good news is that the situation may already be looking good enough that the cricket teams can finally go home and start the seasons in the league’s home country. According to the BCCI, although a new season held in the UAE was put into the table for considerations, it may not be the case anymore right now.
“We are working on having the IPL in India and we are hopeful that we would be able to organize it,” BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumalsaid in an interview. “We are not even thinking of a back-up also at this point, we are wanting to do it here. India is probably safer than UAE at this point. Hopefully, the situation remains stable and keeps improving and we will have it here.”
IPL 2021 start date, auction date
So far, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had confirmed that the Indian Premier League 2021 season would start on April 11, 2021. This would place the new season only around two weeks after India finishes its tour with England. The all-format series games between the two countries started on February 5, 2021, and they will be played as a four-match Test series.
Of course, as usual, before the games, the auctions would take place. So far, several teams have already announced a partial list of players that they would retain for the upcoming season and those that they would let go and be left open for acquisition by other teams.
The auction will take place on February 18 in Chennai, and while there had been rumors of names that each team may acquire, nothing can be certain until the day itself comes.
Where to watch the IPL 2021 Livestream
For locals of India, the games will be telecast on the Star Sports Network, and the network has made a deal to have the game available in multiple languages for international fans. For everyone else outside of India, the games would be available for streaming through Disney+ Hotstar. Other streaming services are also expected to partner with the IPL to make the games available to as many fans around the world as possible.