Amidst concerns about potential clashes with India’s General Elections, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating relocating the latter half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as per a report from the Times of India. This decision comes as several BCCI officials are currently stationed in the UAE, assessing the feasibility of transferring the tournament to the Gulf nation.
The apprehension arises from the possibility of the election schedule overlapping with the IPL’s second phase. The Election Commission of India is slated to unveil the election timetable on Saturday, March 16, prompting the BCCI to await this announcement before finalizing plans regarding the tournament’s venue.
Rumors abound that certain IPL franchises have already instructed players to prepare their passports, hinting at potential logistical adjustments. It’s worth noting that the first half of IPL 2024 was similarly hosted in the UAE due to electoral constraints. Regarding the IPL’s scheduling, the BCCI previously divulged the fixture list for the first half of the tournament, comprising 21 matches.
The tournament kick-starts with a clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on March 22. The inaugural weekend will witness two double headers, with Punjab Kings hosting Delhi Capitals on Saturday, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders welcoming Sunrisers Hyderabad. On Sunday, Rajasthan Royals will face off against Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur, succeeded by Gujarat Titans taking on Mumbai Indians.
Notably, Delhi Capitals have opted to play their first two home games in Visakhapatnam, where they will confront Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders successively at the port city’s venue on March 31 and April 3, respectively. This potential relocation to the UAE echoes the IPL’s past adaptation to unforeseen circumstances. In 2020, the entire tournament was held in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the league’s flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges.
Should the BCCI decide to proceed with relocating the IPL’s latter half, it would mark another instance of the league prioritizing operational continuity amidst external disruptions. However, final decisions hinge on various factors, including the Election Commission’s announcement and logistical assessments in the UAE. As stakeholders await further developments, the cricketing world remains attentive to how events unfold and the potential implications for the IPL’s trajectory in 2024.
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