The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will take place entirely within Bharat. This confirmation comes amidst the announcement of the general election dates, scheduled to occur in seven phases across the country from April 19 to June 1. With the IPL commencing on March 22, the initial schedule has been unveiled for 17 days or 21 games.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated, “Complete IPL will happen in Bharat only. BCCI is working on the full schedule and will make it public soon.” This decision reinforces the BCCI’s commitment to hosting the prestigious cricket tournament within the nation’s borders.
Addressing concerns regarding potential clashes with the general elections, Shah assured that the BCCI would collaborate closely with government and security agencies. The organization will adhere to all necessary protocols and advisories related to the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in Bharat. Shah emphasized that the BCCI will review and address any scheduling issues arising from the first two weeks once the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha elections are announced. Subsequently, the BCCI will coordinate with local authorities to finalize the schedule for the remainder of the IPL season, taking into account the polling dates.
The BCCI’s decision to release the IPL schedule on February 22 was influenced by the impending general elections in India. Understanding the importance of aligning the IPL fixtures with the electoral process, the governing body delayed the schedule announcement.
In the opening match of IPL 2024, defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The rest of the league schedule is expected to be disclosed soon by the governing body, as the dates for the general elections have now been finalized.
The BCCI’s confirmation of hosting the IPL entirely within India underscores the significance of the tournament as a cornerstone of the nation’s sporting calendar. Fans can anticipate an action-packed season of cricket, showcasing top-tier talent and fierce competition on home soil.
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