|| CF DESK ||

The IPL will no longer be played behind closed doors, as spectators are expected to return to the stadiums for the UAE leg of the event on Wednesday. People will be able to see the action up close as the event prepares to welcome fans back, according to a statement made by the IPL media advisory.

The IPL 2021 will return on Sunday, with powerhouses Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings kicking off the UAE leg of the edition, which was postponed earlier this year in May. This will be the first time fans have been able to attend an IPL match since the IPL 2019 final.

"The VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 resumes with the five-time champions and current title holders Mumbai Indians taking on three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 19," the release stated.

"This match will be a momentous occasion as IPL will welcome the fans back to the stadiums after a brief hiatus owing to Covid-19 situation."

The fact that the vast majority of the UAE's population has been completely vaccinated could be the main cause for the return of the crowds. While it is unclear what the different criteria for overseas fans will be, one mandatory criterion is likely to be that the person must be fully vaccinated.