New Delhi (PTI): Limited spectators will be allowed into the stadiums when the much-awaited Indian Premier League resumes in the UAE this weekend, the event's organisers announced on Wednesday.
The IPL, which was suspended midway in May due to COVID-19 cases in its bio bubble, will resume from Sunday with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
"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," an IPL statement said.
"Matches will be played at Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi with limited seating available keeping in mind the COVID protocols and UAE government regulations," it added.
It will be the first time since 2019 when the IPL will be played in front of an audience.
Last year, the league was played behind closed doors in the UAE while the first half of the 2021 edition was also played inside a strict bio-bubble.
Although the league organisers did not specify the exact number of fans who would be let in but sources said their presence would be 50 per cent of the stadium capacity.
"Fans can buy tickets starting September 16 for the remainder of the tournament on the official website www.iplt20.com. Tickets can also be purchased on PlatinumList.net," the league organisers said.
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Riyan Parag made a 45-ball 84 not out to lift Rajasthan Royals to a challenging 185 for 5 against Delhi Capitals in their IPL match here on Thursday.
Sent in to bat, Parag hit seven fours and six sixes as RR recovered from 36 for 3 in eighth over to a good total in the end.
He added 54 with Ravichandran Ashwin, who smashed three sixes on way to a 19-ball 29.
Parag also shared 52 runs with Dhruv Jurel (20) and another 43 with Shimron Hetmyer (14 not out).
For DC, Mukesh Kumar (1/49), Khaleel Ahmed (1/24) and Anrich Nortje (1/48), Axar Patel (1/21) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/41) snapped one wicket each.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan Royals: 185 for 5 in 20 overs (Riyan Parag 84 not out; Axar Patel 1/21).