IPL 2021 Second Leg: BCCI yet again opts for Mumbai-Chennai opener

It will yet again be the Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings opener as the second leg of the Indian Premier League 2021 will get under way on September 21. The two finalists from the previous edition had also played the opener as the IPL Season 14 had started in April 9, only to be interrupted due to Covid-19.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Sunday announced the schedule for the remainder of the IPL 2021, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates. A total number of 31 matches will be played across 27 days – between September 19 and October 15.

The 14th season was postponed in May this year in the wake of the pandemic when several players and the staff working on the league were found Covid-19 positive.

The league will resume in Dubai on September 10 with the Chennai Super Kings-Mumbai Indians high octane clash.

The action will then shift to Abu Dhabi where the Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sharjah will host its first game on 24^th September when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Chennai Super Kings, BCCI has stated in a Press release.

In all, 13 matches will be held in Dubai, 10 in Sharjah and 8 in Abu Dhabi.

There will be 7 double headers with the first match starting at 3:30PM IST (2:00PM Gulf Standard Time). Five double headers had earlier been played in India. Thus the IPL season will end up with 12 double headers. All the evening matches will start at 7:30PM IST (6:00PM Gulf Standard Time).

Final game of the league stage will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals on October 8.

The first qualifier will be played in Dubai on October 10. The Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will be played in Sharjah on October 11 and 13 respectively with Dubai hosting the Final on October 15.

IPL 2021 (Second Leg) SCHEDULE