Reports: BCCI likely to allow increased crowd capacity up to 65-70% in IPL 2022

The highly anticipated 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced on March 26 (Saturday). To limit the traveling and the exposure to COVID-19, the tournament is being played across four venues in Maharashtra (3 in Mumbai and 1 in Pune). Also, to start with, the Maharashtra government and BCCI agreed to allow 25% capacity crowd to the stadiums.

However, things are likely to change soon as the BCCI is pondering to allow more fans into the stadiums with the COVID situation easing out with every passing day. India reported 1,259 new COVID-19 cases to go with 35 deaths on March 28. The number has significantly come down compared to when the second or third wave had hit the country. According to a journalist K Shriniwas Rao, BCCI might allow close to 65-70% capacity crowd for the matches. It is also reported that the official announcement will come soon. Even the ticket bookings are not open for all matches at the moment.

This is a delighting news for the Indian fans who have missed watching the IPL from the stands over the last two seasons. In 2020, the entire season was played in the UAE while last year, the first phase took place in India behind the closed door. After COVID outbreak led to postponement of the IPL, the second phase was staged in the UAE yet again. With the action returning to India and BCCI allowing more crowd, a lot more fans will be able to watch their superstar players from the stadium.

Chasing teams benefiting in IPL

Meanwhile, the IPL 2022 is setting a new trend with the teams winning the toss getting benefited. In all the four matches so far, captains winning the toss haven’t hesitated to bowl first with the dew playing a huge role later in the game. Punjab Kings even ended up chasing down 205 runs against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. It remains to be seen, if the trend continues as the season progresses.