The Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have objected to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's decision to host the 2021 Indian Premier League at only six stadiums.
The BCCI have all but confirmed Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi and Ahmedabad as host cities for this year's IPL. Mumbai is an option, too.
“We three teams will be badly affected. The teams doing well are the ones who do well at home, win five or six home games and a few away, and that will take you through to the play-offs,” Cricbuzz quoted a franchise official as saying.
“Those five teams – Royals Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians – will have the home advantage, we will have to put up with all away games.”
The 2020 IPL was played in the Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in India. The tournament, however, is likely to return to India this year.
IPL Background
This will be the Punjab franchise's first season as the Punjab Kings. They were formerly known as the Kings XI Punjab. Previously, the Delhi franchise underwent a name change. They were the Delhi Daredevils and are now the Delhi Capitals.
Mumbai are the reigning champions. Their five titles are the most in the history of the IPL. Chennai have three titles. Kolkata have two. Hyderabad and Rajasthan have one each.
Punjab, Bangalore and Delhi have never won the IPL. The Capitals lost the 2020 final to Mumbai.
2021 Player Auction
New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, South African all-rounder Chris Morris and Australian star Glenn Maxwell were among the most expensive purchases at last month's player auction.
Maxwell and Jamieson have joined Bangalore. Maxwell previously played for Punjab. This will be Jamieson's first IPL.
Morris has left Bangalore for Rajasthan. He was one of two South Africans purchased at the auction. The Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, bought uncapped fast bowler Marco Jansen.
IPL Retentions
Batsman Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock are among the South Africans retained for the 2021 tournament. Du Plessis has stayed with Chennai. De Kock has remained with Mumbai.
