Reports: These four venues will stage the league matches of Indian T20 League
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Image Credit :BCCI/Twitter)
According to the reports, the league matches of the Indian T20 League are set to be staged across Maharashtra. With two new teams entering into the fray, the number of matches would now be 55. With 10 teams in the tournament, it is believed that these teams will be divided into two groups of five each. Talking about the venues, it is reported that the games will be played in four venues across Maharashtra. Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, D.Y. Patil of Mumbai, and the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium of Pune will host the games.
Also, each team will play four matches at Wankhede and DY Patil Stadium. There will be three games each for every team at the MCA Stadium and the Brebon Stadium. Earlier it was reported that Jio Stadium, where the Mumbai team practices, is also considered to stage some matches. The official broadcaster was supposed to recce the stadium to check whether it is fit enough to host an ITL game. It is now believed that the stadium is out of reckoning. The advantage of hosting most games in the state is that air-traveling can be avoided.
The distance across these venues can be covered via road. As far as dates are concerned, earlier report suggested that the Board For Control Of Cricket In India (BCCI) and the broadcaster are not on the same page regarding the schedule. The BCCI wants to start the tournament on Sunday, March 27. On the other hand, the broadcasters wants the cash-rich league to start one day before.
The tournament is believed to end on May 29. The playoffs venues are to be decided. A final decision will taken in the ITL governing council meeting on February 24.
