The COVID-19 pandemic killed the live cricket-watching experience for fans. It has been more than two years since fans have attended a live match of the Indian Premier League in India. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly hoped that next year’s IPL will be held in India.
Speaking in an online conversation, Ganguly said, “I hope so because it’s India’s tournament.”
“As much as you see the superb atmosphere in Dubai, it’s different in India. It’s absolutely madness in India with the stands full. We’d love to have it back in India,” stated Ganguly.
“I’m sure in the next seven-eight months, the COVID-19 situation will be very different, and we can host it in India with packed stands and the supporters pouring,” he further added.
IPL 2021’s first leg was conducted in India with no spectators. But the outbreak of the COVID-19 in the bio-secure bubble forced the BCCI to suspend the tournament midway and conduct the second leg in the UAE. Before that, the entire 2020 edition was conducted in the UAE due to a severe outbreak of the virus in India.
IPL will feature two new teams next year. All the franchises will be revamped with new players in the mega auction that will be held in early 2022.