Postponed from its earlier planned window, Tamil Nadu Premier League T20 could now be played in July-August, said a report by Cricbuzz. A Tamil Nadu Cricket Association official told the website that the league’s fifth edition may go ahead between tentative dates of July 19 and August 15 if they receive a green signal from the state government.
Cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TNPL 2021 will reportedly be a closed-door affair with Chennai playing as a hub for what is a 32-game tournament played among eight teams. Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Coimbatore and Salem are the venues shortlisted by the TNCA. However, a final decision on the choice of stadiums will be taken based on the advice of the Tamil Nadu state government.
“We are planning three phases for the league. We intend to start the league in Chennai because the Covid cases are down in the city. Basing on the government’s approval, the matches will be held in two other venues and we will come back to Chennai for the final,”
the TNPL official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Hopeful of the state government’s approval, TNCA can announce the dates and venues to be used for the TNPL 2021 in the coming days.
Chepauk Super Gillies, Lyca Kovai Kings, Dindigul Dragons, Trichy Warriors, iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Siechem Madurai Panthers, Salem Spartans and Nellai Royal Kings are eight contesting TNPL teams, a few of whom have had their names changed after rebranding. Super Gillies, who won the league in 2019, are the defending tournament champions.
In April, the BCCI apex council permitted the state bodies to conduct their own T20 leagues, with the condition being they must abide by the Indian board’s rules and regulations and not have their competitions clashing with the IPL at any stage.
State bodies from Saurashtra, Mumbai, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had sought the BCCI’s permission. But while TNCA is now planning for TNPL to restart, Mumbai Cricket Association decided not to hold their T20 event considering the effects of the second wave of the pandemic in the city. It isn’t yet clear whether Saurashtra and Karnataka state associations will conduct their T20 tournaments this year.
