12th edition of IPL could start as early as March
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season could start as early as March 29. As per reports, this is a tentative schedule fixed by the BCCI. With the Indian general elections expected to be held next year during the same window as IPL, the BCCI has decided to get the 12th edition started early instead. Here is more about this development.
Issues which BCCI is facing regarding IPL 2019
The Lok Sabha elections would most likely clash with the IPL window in 2019. The BCCI faced a similar situation in 2014. Further, the 2019 ICC World Cup starts from May 30 and cricket teams need to report two weeks before the mega tournament starts. The Supreme Court appointed Lodha Committee deems that IPL should end 15 days before the next assignment.
What happened in 2009 and 2014?
In 2009, when general elections took place, the BCCI had to shift the tournament to South Africa. In 2014, the IPL was divided into two legs with the initial stage hosted by UAE, before the league returned back to India.
Planning essential for BCCI
Given the amount of revenue the league generates and the factors associated with it, the stakeholders want it to be held in India rather than abroad. Therefore, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council need to chalk out the schedule in advance so that no stakeholder gets impacted. Keeping all the constraints in mind, an early start in March seems the most feasible solution.
