Limited spectators will be allowed into the stadiums when the IPL resumes in the UAE this weekend, according to a media release on Wednesday.

The IPL, which was suspended in early May due to Covid-19 cases in its bio-bubble, will resume from Sunday with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings in Dubai.

“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,” it added.

The Telegraph had reported on August 14 that the UAE government was in discussions with the BCCI and the Emirates Cricket Board to allow 60 per cent attendance at stadiums during the IPL.

It will be the first time since 2019 that the IPL will be played in front of an audience. Last year, the lucrative league was played behind closed doors in the UAE while the first half of the 2021 edition was played inside a strict bio-bubble across venues in India.

“Fans can buy tickets starting September 16 for the

remainder of the tournament on the official website,” the IPL said.