The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, Arun Dhumal, has said that the following season will begin on March 22nd, seeking to weave its way through the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections.
The league has had to make some alterations to its plans in the past since the elections were held concurrently. The matches were moved overseas for the 2009 and 2014 seasons, and the schedule was announced in two parts when the league overlapped with the 2019 general election.
The BCCI leadership have been insistent about holding the full 2024 edition in India, despite the logistical and other problems that may arise. Security is also mentioned as a key worry, but for the time being, the league is following the 2019 model, announcing the calendar in two halves, with the later half of fixtures revealed after the government reveals the dates for the general election.
“BCCI is planning to start IPL 2024 from March 22. IPL 2024 schedule will be announced in two halves. The schedule for the first half will be announced and then the schedule for the other half will be announced after the announcement of general election dates.”
Arun Dhumal
If the IPL starts on March 22, Indian players will have a brief 10-day vacation because they are playing in a five-match Test series against England till March 11.
Just so you know, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) second season happens from February 23 to March 17. The cities? Delhi and Bangalore.
“We thought let’s wait and announce only the first few games scheduled” – Arun Dhumal
According to Arun Dhumal, only the fixtures for the first 10 to 12 matches would be given immediately, with the rest revealed only after the government determines which states will contest elections on when dates.
The league will be careful not to organize matches in a state where elections are being held, since this may cause a number of complications. The 2019 version also began earlier than usual (March 23), but this time there are more elements to consider.
Two factors have raised the count of matches. One, the rise to 10 teams. Besides, the 2024 T20 World Cup is looming; it is in June. Thus, the league needs a quick finish so players can get ready.
“We don’t want to be in a situation where we announce the full IPL schedule and then the security agency informs us that they won’t be available to provide security for the specific venue games.”
Arun Dhumal
Arun Dhumal added:
“It takes a lot of logistical challenges to change the venue at the last moment, lot of machinery work behind the scenes, and they need time to conduct each IPL game. So we thought let’s wait and announce only the first few games scheduled. We will announce the complete schedule once we get a clear picture of which state will be holding elections on specific dates.”
Arun Dhumal
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the reigning champions, having won the 2023 season for a record-tying fifth IPL title.