The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating moving the second half of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to potential clashes with the General Elections in India. A report in the Times of India suggests that BCCI officials are currently in the UAE to explore the feasibility of shifting the remaining matches of the IPL to the Gulf country.
The decision to move the IPL’s second half stems from concerns that the tournament’s schedule might coincide with the dates of the General Elections, which are expected to be announced by the Election Commission on Saturday, March 16. If the election dates clash with the IPL schedule, it could lead to logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts for both events.
An unnamed BCCI official quoted in the report stated, “The Election Commission of India will announce the election schedule on Saturday at 3 pm. After that, the BCCI will decide whether the IPL should be moved to Dubai. Currently, a few top BCCI officials are in Dubai to explore the possibility of organizing the second half of the IPL in Dubai.”
There have been indications that some IPL franchises have already instructed their players to submit their passports, hinting at the potential shift of venue to the UAE. This move wouldn’t be unprecedented, as the first half of IPL 2024 was also held in the UAE due to similar concerns regarding the General Elections.
In related news, the first half of IPL 2024, comprising 21 matches, was recently scheduled by the BCCI. The final game of this phase will see Lucknow Super Giants facing Gujarat Titans on April 7. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings led by MS Dhoni, will kick off the tournament against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 in Chennai.
The initial matches of the IPL will feature double headers, with Punjab Kings hosting Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad on the first Saturday. Sunday’s matches will take place in Jaipur and Ahmedabad, with Rajasthan Royals playing against Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans facing Mumbai Indians.
The Delhi Capitals have chosen Visakhapatnam as their home venue for the first two matches, hosting Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31 and April 3, respectively.
As the BCCI and IPL stakeholders monitor the election schedule announcement, a decision regarding the potential relocation of the second half of IPL 2024 to the UAE is expected to be made in response to the Election Commission’s timeline.
(sources)
