Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the venues for league phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 which will start on March 26. However, the cricket board is yet to announce where the playoffs of the 10-team tournament will take place. While league matches will be played in Mumbai and Pune, Ahmedabad is being considered as a potential venue for the tournament’s playoffs clashes, a source told Sports Tak.
“We are waiting to see the Covid situation because we don't want the teams to fly out. That's why we chose Mumbai, Pune as they have several stadiums. When it comes to playoffs, the number of matches will be less than the league matches,” the source said.
BCCI decided to cut down air travel to prevent players from contracting Covid-19. However, for playoffs (two qualifiers, one eliminator and final), the organisers are looking at a venue where bio-bubble can be created.
“In Ahmedabad, there is a good option for accommodation where we can create a bio-bubble. We might go ahead with this venue but nothing has been decided yet. The decision will be taken soon in a meeting,” the source added.
Earlier, the board had announced four venues where league matches will be played. Out of 70 league matches, 20 matches each will be played at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium. On the other hand, 15 matches each will be played at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium (CCI) and Pune’s MCA International stadium.
All the teams will play four matches each at Wankhede Stadium and DY Patil Stadium whereas three matches each will be hosted at Brabourne Stadium and MCA International Stadium.
The 10 teams will play 14 league matches each which will include seven home and seven away matches. Each team will play five teams twice and four teams just once. The teams have been divided into two groups.
