Star Network will continue live telecast for IPL 2021.

Star Network will continue production for the upcoming 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, starting April 9. Star had bagged the production contract for the IPL and domestic cricket for three years (international matches are and were being produced by the BCCI itself) in 2018 and the deal had ended last year.

This year, the BCCI produced the domestic matches and there was always this question if the board would invite applications for production. However, for want of time, the BCCI has extended the Star deal by a year.

The broadcaster/producer is deploying about 900 personnel apart from 90 commentators (including those from regional languages) for the 52-day league. There have been four bubbles over all of the Star production team - three in Mumbai and one in Chennai - which will be deployed for production at the six designated IPL venues - Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Delhi and Kolkata.

"The safety and security of our broadcast crew, talent, and all staff involved in the production of the IPL is of utmost importance. At any given point of time, there will be four fully operational bio-secure bubbles. We hope that together with the BCCI, we will be able to deliver a safe IPL that is enjoyed and viewed by everyone from the comfort of their homes," Sanjog Gupta, Head-Sports, Star, and Disney India said.

With the season starting behind closed doors, Star is bringing in a highlight to their coverage that will allow commentators to interact with fans on the virtual fan wall, a feature seen mostly in European football games. There are a couple of other new features - Super Slo-Mos driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Mixed Reality Cricket Analysis - that Star will introduce during IPL 2021 too.