Will IPL 2021 matches be moved out of Mumbai due to increasing COVID-19 cases?

IPL 2021 matches: The ever-increasing coronavirus cases in Mumbai are causing concerns ahead of Indian Premier League 2021.

With the number of cases crossing the 11,000-mark in a day today, Mumbai has recorded the highest-ever number since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Wankhede Stadium set to host Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals Indian Premier League 2021 clash in less than a week’s time, the aforementioned number isn’t a very encouraging sign.

Amidst speculations of the Mumbai leg of the tournament having it in it to get shifted, Hyderabad and Indore have already been shortlisted as potential replacement provided if situation goes out of hand in Mumbai. It was only this afternoon that former India captain and current Hyderabad Cricket Association President Mohammed Azharuddin had offered to host IPL 2021 matches in a “safe and secure” venue.

It is worth mentioning that Azharuddin had previously also voiced his opinion when Sunrisers Hyderabad was among the three franchises (alongside Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings) to not get any match for the 14th season of the IPL.

Will IPL 2021 matches be moved out of Mumbai due to increasing COVID-19 cases?

With Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Nitish Rana, Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel and Royal Challengers Bangalore opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal testing positive for COVID-19, concerns around the biggest T20 league have increased manifold times.

However, speaking in an interview with Cricbuzz, an MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) official assured that the lockdown-like scenario in Mumbai won’t affect IPL 2021 matches any cricket activity inside a bio-secure bubble will be “permitted uninterrupted”.

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“We have had a call from the city municipal commissioner. The association has been assured that the lockdown measures will have no impact on the IPL games. The other cricketing activities will, however, have to be immediately stopped. Any cricket activity that is part of a bio-secure bubble will be permitted uninterrupted,” the MCA official told Cricbuzz.