MUMBAI: Punjab Kings, led by the franchise’s co-owner Ness Wadia, have sent the BCCI a set of queries in trying to understand why Mohali, or other stadiums of their preference, have been left out of the list of venues that have been allotted matches for the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Two other franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, are expected to do the same on Monday.
TOI had reported on Sunday BCCI’s decision to allot 2021 IPL matches to Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Ahmedabad. It is understood that Hyderabad was part of BCCI’s initial plan but was changed to Delhi due to matters related to the state cricket association.

While the BCCI hasn’t made any formal announcement on these venues as yet, Punjab Kings have written to the cricket board a set of queries on the allotment and more.
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia told TOI: “We have sent the BCCI a query on why we have been excluded. We would like to know the reason. We have also asked for more clarification on how this process works”.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals is expecting the state government and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) to take up these matters with the BCCI. Officials from the Rajasthan Royals franchise said: “The Rajasthan state government and the RCA are examining this right now as to why Jaipur hasn’t been allotted IPL matches. They will be writing to the BCCI on this”.

There was no official comment from Sunrisers Hyderabad, though the Hyderabad-based franchise is expected to raise the matter with the board. KT Rama Rao, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti’s working president in Hyderabad and also the minister of state for industries and IT, tweeted the same on Sunday morning.
“Open appeal to @BCCI and @IPL office bearers to include Hyderabad as one of the venues for the upcoming IPL season. Our effective COVID containment measures are reflected in our low number of cases among all metro cities in India & we assure you of all support from the Govt”, his tweet read.

TOI had reported on Sunday morning that some franchises were expected to raise certain matters with the board.
Further, with the eight-phase polls in West Bengal and the ensuing counting process expected to end only in the first week of May, there is a likelihood of the Eden Gardens getting only the last leg of the IPL matches to host.

Mumbai, on the other hand, has been categorically informed by the Maharashtra government that matches can be held in the city subject to spectators not being allowed at all times.
In the given scenario, it is understood that all playoffs for the 2021 IPL, and the final, will be held at Ahmedabad, given the newly refurbished stadium and the multiple facilities at its disposal. “It won’t make sense for teams to fly out just for a day during the playoffs. So, all matches will be at the same venue,” say those in the know.