Tickets for IPL go on sale today
Spectators return with upto 50% attendance expected in all three venues
The second phase of Vivo IPL 2021 T20 tournament gets under way in the UAE on Sunday, with fans allowed in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi stadiums after a gap of over one and-a-half seasons.
Ticket sales open today on the official website www. iplt20.com. They can also be bought on PlatinumList.net.
While the BCCI does not mention the number of spectators allowed, it is expected that upto 50 per cent of stadium capacity in all three venues will be allowed.
Mumbai take on Chennai
Five-time champions and current title holders Mumbai Indians will take on three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
With the UAE permitting entry of fans at public events in a phased manner, it’s expected that the T20 World Cup, which follows in October-November, will also draw crowds in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah with limited seating.
“We have proven experience in hosting and delivering high-profile sporting events,” Mubashir Usmani, general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, told Gulf News in an interview earlier.
“We have a UAE-wide team of experienced events and logistics companies and individuals. We are confident of facing any challenges.”
There will be a lot of curiosity value around Adil Rashid, a key member of England’s white ball squad, as he makes a somewhat delayed debut in the IPL in the UAE leg this year. The leg spinner from Yorkshire, who was a part of Eoin Morgan’s 2019 ICC World Cup winning squad, is excited at the break offered by Punjab Kings and the fact that it will set him up nicely for the T20 World Cup which follows immediately after.
“It’s a nice feeling to be part of probably the best league in the world. For me, I think it’s a good opportunity to learn,” says the 33-year-old, who will be possibly assuming the leader’s role in the spin bowler’s group — which also has the exciting young leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin.
Speaking to Gulf News during an exclusive interview on zoom, the soft-spoken Rashid sounded keen to pick the brains of Anil Kumble, the legendary Indian leggie who has been the head coach of Punjab Kings for two seasons now. “See, he was one of the best of his times and I will definitely try to pick his brains by speaking to him. I will try to learn and gather valuable information on how to bowl in these conditions — am looking forward to working with him in that sense,” said Rashid.
Bigger context
While the IPL corners most of the eyeballs in the sport globally whenever it’s played, the second phase of the season in the UAE has a bigger context to it with the T20 World Cup getting underway in Oman and the UAE immediately after it. England, who lost out so dramatically in the final of the 2016 edition, will be looking to add the crown to with their 2019 ICC World Cup triumph with Rashid definitely an ace in the pack for Morgan.
Does he, then, see the IPL stint as a dress rehearsal for the World T20 next month? “It should be a good experience with the World Cup following immediately afterwards. It will be a big advantage for the players out here as they can have a close look at the pitches, ground and weather. It’s always good to have a good preparation under the belt,” Rashid said.
The demand is not only for a leg-spinner, but it could be an off-spinner with his doosra as well as a left-arm spinner’s delivery coming in with the arm.” Adil Rashid » England leg-spinner
The choice of Rashid by Punjab Kings, Tabraiz Shamsi by Rajasthan Royals or Wanindu Hasaranga by Royal Challengers Bangalore once again highlights the importance of the art of wrist spinners in T20 cricket. Rashid, owner of 65 wickets in 62 T20I appearances for England, feels there is a growing role for spinners who can turn the ball both ways — and thereby plant a seed of doubt in the batsman’s mind.
“The demand is not only for a leg spinner, but it could be an off spinner with his doosra as well as a left-arm spinner’s delivery coming in with the arm,” he said.