The 2021 edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick-start on April 9.

The IPL Governing Council on Sunday announced the schedule for VIVO Indian Premier League 2021 to be held in India.

After nearly two years, the IPL extravaganza will return home with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata hosting the marquee event.

The season will kick-start on April 9 in Chennai with a high octane clash between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The Motera Stadium, now known as Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad will host the Playoffs as well as the final on May 30.

Each team is set to play at four venues during the league stage.

Out of the 56 league matches, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru will host 10 matches each while Ahmedabad and Delhi will host 8 matches each.

One of the highlights of this edition of the VIVO IPL will be the fact that all matches will be played at neutral venues.

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There will be a total of 11 double headers where 6 teams will play three afternoon matches and two teams will play two afternoon matches.

The afternoon games are slated for a 3:30 PM IST start while the evening games will have a 7:30 PM IST start.

The fixtures of the tournament have been mapped in a way that every team will travel only three times during the league stage.

The VIVO IPL this year at home will be played behind closed doors to begin with and a call on allowing spectators will be taken at a later stage of the tournament.