We are working on bringing fans back to the stadium for IPL 2021: BCCI Treasurer

Indian Premier League 2021 scheduled for April-May had been suspended midway due to rising concerns over COVID-19 cases in India. The BCCI announced that the remainder of the tournament will be held in UAE. The second leg of the tournament begins on September 19 at Dubai International Stadium, with Chennai Super Kings taking on Mumbai Indians.

Earlier this week, the Emirates Cricket Board’s (ECB) General Secretary Mubashir Usmani had stated that they are considering scenarios from various sports leagues that are gradually bringing fans back to the stadium and want to implement something similar for the second phase of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. 

Speaking to IANS, BCCI treasurer Arun Thakur Dhumal confirmed that the board is in talks with the UAE government about providing an in-stadia experience for the season reminder, with the health and safety of everyone involved as the top priority.

"We are working on that and we are hoping that the UAE government will allow the crowd this time since everyone is vaccinated there. Let's see what happens. Hopefully, fans will be allowed but not at the coast players' or peoples' safety -- that is more important. Rest is on the UAE government to decide," BCCI treasurer Arun Thakur Dhumal was quoted as saying by IANS.

The BCCI treasurer also asserted that the UAE-leg will be an exciting climax to the 2021 edition and this marks the end of the eight-team league. 

"Everybody is looking up to the IPL now; we believe it will be an exciting tournament in UAE. This would be the last season of IPL with eight teams. Most likely there will be 10 teams next time. We are working on that too," he remarked.

Fans are heart and soul for any sport, with them in those stands cheering and booing takes the 

Fans are the lifeblood of any sport. Having them in the stands, cheering and booing, elevates the players' spirits to new heights. If allowing spectators into the stadiums gets the nod, it will undoubtedly be a spectacle to behold.