The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, likely coinciding with general election dates. The information comes from a source closely associated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament will run until the end of May, preceding the ICC T20 World Cup to be held in June.
Considering past election patterns, voting typically occurs in the months of April and May, aligning with the IPL schedule. Conducting a seamless tournament during the multiple phases of the election will pose a challenge for IPL organizers.
While the election dates remain undisclosed, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and the central government have reportedly been collaborating on the matter. In 2009 and 2014, the league was moved out of the country, but in 2019, IPL successfully took place in India during the election period.
Meanwhile, following the conclusion of the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai last month, teams have finalized their squads. The auction witnessed the record for most expensive player being broken twice, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc securing the title as the highest-paid player in IPL history.