IPL 2019 might be shifted out of India
The Indian Premier League 2019 season might be shifted out of India, with the General Elections likely to take place during that period. For now, the BCCI is waiting to hear from the Election Commission about the dates of the elections. The BCCI has, reportedly, shortlisted three countries to host the tournament in 2019. Here is more on the same.
IPL has been hosted by foreign countries in the past
On two previous occasions (2009 and 2014), the IPL was shifted out of the country. In 2009, the entire second edition of the tourney was held in South Africa. In 2014, the seventh edition was held in the UAE for several weeks before it was shifted back to India. This time, the BCCI is mulling over South Africa, UAE or England as venues.
South Africa being considered as the prime option
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, if the entire tournament needs to be shifted out of India, then South Africa is being considered as the preferred destination. The reasons, behind the same, are the infrastructure and the successful stint South Africa enjoyed when it had hosted the 2009 edition. The eight franchises and the cricket boards of the three nations have been informed.
Scheduling matches a focus for the think tank
As of now, nothing has been fixed as the report adds that the CoA wants everything to be in place for future dispensation. Moreover, the schedule needs to be reworked, keeping the 2019 ICC World Cup in mind, which kicks off in May. The IPL generally starts in April first week, but the 12th edition could kick-off in March end.
The CoA to discuss and decide
The Supreme Court-appointed CoA is set to host a meeting and decide on the options and the manner, in which the tourney, can be shaped further. It is highly likely that South Africa could get the nod with the entire IPL 12 being played there.
