India's popular IPL all set to roll from today; MI vs RCB in blockbuster opener

The Indian Premier League, one of the world's most lucrative annual sporting properties, is back in 2021. For fans, the good news is that not even the lengthening shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic has been able to stop the Twenty20 juggernaut.

Importance of IPL

With curfews currently in force in many Indian states, the IPL can be expected to surpass last year's viewership numbers with cricket fans in the world's second most populous nation set to be glued to TV sets and electronic devices. Players will be well compensated for their stint in India.

Last year's delayed tournament was shifted to the United Arab Emirates but the 14th edition returns to India, where the coronavirus situation has worsened significantly in recent weeks.

With curfews currently in force in many Indian states, the IPL can be expected to surpass last year's viewership numbers with cricket fans in the world's second-most populous nation set to be glued to TV sets and electronic devices.

BCCI 'Taking no chances'

As per the protocol, any player/support staff who comes in direct contact with a Covid-19 infected person will have to undergo seven days in isolation but if players have had minimal contact with the positive case, they will be allowed to train after two negative tests. That's why Mumbai Indians were allowed to resume training despite More's positive test.

The team was kept under isolation on Tuesday and Wednesday, but after two Covid-19 tests, it was decided to allow players to resume training. As More's interaction with MI batsmen and bowlers was minimum, the BCCI and franchise medical teams decided to allow players to train for the inaugural IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday.

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