The IPL 2024 is too far away right now, but it might face considerable challenges due to the tight ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the Lok Sabha Elections in India. Due to those reasons, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) might consider shortening the tournament’s duration or might relocate matches outside India. It is not the first time that the IPL and the Election date clashed. Before that as well, 2009 and 2014 was also the year when IPL was shifted to another country (partially or fully).
ICC has given a window for IPL
The ICC (International Cricket Council) has given a window of March-May for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Most of the big cricketing nations, whose players are involved in the IPL, won’t schedule any international matches during this period.
BCCI wants a large timeframe for the IPL going forward
The IPL 2023 happened during a 58 days period from March 31 to May 29. But the BCCI wants to increase the time period and add more games in the tournament going forward. It might happen also in the upcoming years, but not in IPL 2024.
BCCI to consider shortening the IPL 2024 duration
Because of the scheduling of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the Lok Sabha Elections, the BCCI might consider shortening the tournament’s duration in IPL 2024. Leave aside the increased time period, the BCCI might be compelled to finish the tournament as early as possible.
Why T20 World Cup is hindering IPL 2024?
Because of the rule of two weeks break of the ICC, the BCCI has to complete the IPL 2024 on May 19 (Sunday) so that the players will get enough rest time before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
When will the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 start?
The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will set to commence on June 4 in West Indies and the US (co-host).
Lok Sabha Elections Also Force BCCI To Shorten The IPL 2024
The Lok Sabha Elections will take place in May-June 2024. And they will need security for that event. Because the IPL also happened during the May-June period, there will be security concerns.
The same time clash will force BCCI to shorten the IPL 2024 by 2-3 days or even more. They might start the tournament early and finish early as well to make up for the Lok Sabha Elections and T20 WC.
Early start of IPL 2024
If the early start of the tournament happens, IPL 2024 will expect to start on March 22 and finish on May 19.
What did the BCCI official say?
The BCCI official said that they are aware of the complexities of the IPL 2024. Also, the decision on this will take place in December-January.
“Yes, we are aware of the complexities involved in the next IPL. We have the England series and then General Elections as well as World Cup in June. But it’s too early to even plan anything. We are all focused on successfully conducting the World Cup in October. Any decision will be made only in December-January,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
What are the options for BCCI?
To shorten the tournament
As we discussed earlier, if those two events affect, the earlier start and finish will be the option for the BCCI.
To shift the tournament to another country
If shortening the IPL 2024 not works, the BCCI might shift the IPL 2024 to another country. It may be partially shifting the tournament, just like IPL 2014 where some part of the tournament was held in UAE and the remaining tournament was held in India. Or it may be shifting the whole tournament to another country.
Which country will be the option for IPL 2024?
UAE (United Arab Emirates) will be the main contender to host the IPL 2024, either partly or fully. UAE also hosted 20 games of the IPL 2014, the whole IPL 2020, and some parts of the IPL 2021 (due to the COVID-19 outbreak).
Will we see IPL 2024 in West Indies and the US?
West Indies and the US might be the countries to host the latter part of the IPL 2024. That’s because the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will also happen there, and the players will get ample time to acclimatize to the conditions and the time zone.
But it is highly unlikely as it will hamper the broadcasters due to the time zone in the country.
Not the first time that the election and the IPL date clashed
It is not the first time that the IPL and the Election dates clashed. In 2009 and 2014 as well, the IPL happened in South Africa and UAE (20 games) respectively due to the date clashes for those two events.
In 2019 as well, the date for the IPL and the election clashed. But the BCCI managed to hold the whole IPL 2019 in India.
Conclusion
So this is the case. The BCCI wants the whole IPL 2024 to happen in India. But if the situation demands, they might go for the option we have discussed above.
Will IPL 2024 happen in India? Comment your predictions below. Thank you for reading. Keep following us for the latest updates.
