After a COVID-19 induced season in the United Arab Emirates in the second half of 2020, the cash-rich Indian Premier League – now arguably one of the biggest sporting brands internationally  – returns to its indigenous roots on Friday, albeit amidst a renewed surge of Covid pandemic and before empty stands for the second year in a row.

The 14th edition of the popular league featuring eight teams opens with a big bang in Chennai where holders and five-time champions Mumbai Indians captained by Rohit Sharma take on Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore in a Friday eveninger.

The 52-day tourney, with the final slated for May 30 in Ahmedabad, would be played across six different venues, with the mandarins of the game’s apex body International Cricket Council keeping a close eye over the arrangements and any fallout of the fresh Covid wave as India is scheduled to host the coveted World Cup later in the year.

Besides devising a bio-security bubble for the players, officials and other staff, organisers Board of Control for Cricket in India have drawn up a caravan format, under which each of the teams would play nine matches spread over two main venues, and five across two other sites. The Covid-propelled format would see all the combatants take part in a particular venue, before the action rolls over to the next ground.

While the schedule has been chalked out so as to cut down on travel, from the cricketing perspective, no team can aspire for any big home advantage.

Just like the previous year’s edition, staged in UAE, the stadium gates would remain shut for the millions of IPL fans in view of the pandemic,  which could – in all likelihood – make the tournament yet again one of the most-watched event on television.

Known for its heart-stopping finishes and gala entertainment over the years since the first edition in 2008, the coming tournament could also see the end of the cricketing journey for Indian legend and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni,  who could well be playing his last IPL after having retired from all other formats of the game. With three-time winners CSK failing to make the play-off last year, it would be a fitting adieu for the redoubtable dasher if he can lead his side to another memorable finish in the league.