As the excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, scheduled to commence from March 22, organisers are navigating the prospects of holding the cash-rich tournament in two phases amid the approaching Lok Sabha elections.
The opening leg, commencing next Friday, promises an electrifying start as defending champions Chennai Super Kings or CSK clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore or RCB at the iconic Chepauk stadium. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India-BCCI has revealed half of the tournament’s fixtures, the remainder will be announced post the Election Commission of India’s declaration of polling dates.
Recent reports indicate a potential relocation of the IPL 2024’s second phase to the UAE, echoing the precedent set in 2014. BCCI officials are reportedly in the Emirates to assess the feasibility of shifting the latter half of the tournament to Dubai.
“The Election Commission of India is set to unveil the election schedule on Saturday at 3 pm. Subsequently, the BCCI will determine whether IPL matches should be relocated to Dubai. Presently, select BCCI officials are in Dubai to explore the viability of hosting the second phase of the IPL there,” sources stated.
Recalling previous instances, the IPL ventured to the UAE in 2020 and 2021 amid the Covid pandemic, utilising venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Amid speculation about potential venue shifts, some IPL franchises have pre emptively secured their players’ passports as a precautionary measure. However, BCCI sources affirm their commitment to hosting the league in Bharat.
Additionally, reports suggest that franchises have safeguarded passports to preempt validity issues in the event of last-minute alterations.
Anticipation had swirled before the tournament’s onset, with speculation rife about relocating the IPL 2024 edition due to the concurrent general elections. Nonetheless, the BCCI’s announcement of the initial leg’s schedule underscores their determination to proceed with the tournament as planned.
