IPL to welcome back fans for first time since 2019 edition

The Indian Premier League will welcome back fans for the first time since the 2019 edition when the cricket competition resumes in the UAE on Sunday, according to The Associated Press.

Organizers said there will be “limited seating available,” without specifying exactly how many spectators will be allowed in for matches in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

The entire tournament in 2020 was played in empty stadiums, also in the UAE, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2021 edition started in India without fans in April but was suspended within a month because of positive tests for the virus in several franchises. The competition was switched to the UAE to be completed.

The Super 12s and knockout stage of the men’s World Twenty20 tournament will also take place in the UAE in October and November.