Indian Premier League 2021: All you need to know

The Cricketer runs through all you need to know ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League

What is it?

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Where is it?

The competition is being played at six neutral venues across India:

Bangalore – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium

Ahmedabad - Narendra Modi Stadium

Mumbai – Wankhede Stadium

Chennai – M. A. Chidambaram Stadium

Kolkata – Eden Gardens

When is it?

The first game, between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, takes place on April 9.

The final will be played on May 30.

What are the fixtures?

The full fixture list can be found here.

Who has changed teams this season?

Chris Morris, Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Maxwell were the big-money signings as records tumbled at the 2021 Indian Premier League auction.

South African allrounder Morris became the most expensive addition in the history of the process, re-joining Rajasthan Royals for 16.25 crore (£1.6 million) having previously represented them in 2015.

In one of the surprise moves of the auction, Kyle Jamieson became the fourth biggest signing after Royal Challengers Bangalore splashed out 15 crore (£1.48m) for the New Zealander.

Australia's Glenn Maxwell, previously a big-money addition for Punjab Kings who released him after last year's competition, is in for another major payday after also being picked up by RCB for 14.25crore (£1.4m).

He was joined by fellow Aussie Jhye Richardson after the Big Bash League's leading wicket-taker in 2020-21 was acquired for 14crore (1.38m) newly-named Kings.

Moeen Ali is back for a fourth campaign in the IPL, having been let go by RCB, and joins MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings for 7crore (£690,000).

The ICC's No.1 batsman Dawid Malan (1.5crore/£148,000) earned a move to Kings for what will be his first IPL campaign.

Fellow England players Tom Curran (5.2crore/£518,000) and Sam Billings (2crore/£197,000) were signed up by Delhi Capitals, while Liam Livingstone (75lakh/£74,000) is in through the door at Royals.

CSK prevailed in a three-team bidding war for Krishnappa Gowtham, who became the most expensive uncapped player in the auction's history at 9.25crore (£913,000).

Highly-rated Aussie quick Riley Meredith was also picked up from the uncapped category and joins Kings for 8crore (£789,000).

Other stand-out moves saw Steve Smith joins last season's runners-up Capitals (2.2crore/£217,000), Shakib Al Hasan move to Kolkata Knight Riders (3.2crore/£315,000) and eight-time T20 champion Dan Christian win a switch to RCB (4.8crore/£789,000).

Since the auction, Josh Philippe has been replaced by New Zealand’s Finn Allen, while Jason Roy has joined Sunrisers Hyderabad to replace Mitchell Marsh. Josh Hazlewood has also opted out.

Full squads can be found here.

^{Kyle Jamieson has joined RCB}

How is each team shaping up?

You can read The Cricketer’s team-by-team guides here.

Can supporters attend games?

The opening matches are due to be played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, with any decision on whether to permit entry for fans later in the tournament to be made at a future date.

Who do the odds favour?

Dafabet have Mumbai Indians as pre-tournament favourites to win the competition at 5/2, followed by Delhi Capitals at 9/2, Royal Challengers Bangalore at 11/2 and Sunrisers Hyderabad at 13/2.

Punjab Kings, renamed this year, are viewed as rank outsiders at 9/1, with Rajasthan Royals – missing Jofra Archer initially – at 8/1.

Where can you follow it?

In India, Star Sports have the broadcast rights to the competition, while Sky Sports will show the tournament in the UK.

For more detailed information, click here.

Our coverage of the IPL is brought to you in association with Dafabet India. For more on Dafabet and to place a bet, click here

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