The suspense around the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 schedule doesn’t seem to end as the T20 extravaganza is set to clash with the Lok Sabha elections in the country. According to reports, the cash-rich league is expected to start on March 22, however, the host of the tournament is yet to be decided.
Amid the speculations, IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhamal has ended all the suspense and revealed that the tournament will take place in India and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will work with the government before finalising the schedule. He also added that the schedule of the 17th edition of the tournament will be announced shortly after the general elections schedule is out.
“We will work with the Indian government, and agencies to make sure that the league takes place in India. We are waiting for the schedule of the general election to be announced and then we will plan accordingly…like which state will host what game at the time of election will be planned that way,” Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying by Times of India.
Further speaking ahead, Dhamal didn’t specify which date the tournament will kick off but revealed that it will most likely begin from March end.
“It (IPL) will most likely start from March end… and general elections are in April, so we will work it out with the help of the government,” he added.
IPL 2024 will feature 74 matches
A total of 74 matches are set to be played in IPL 2024 including the four plays offs. The tournament is expected to be spread across two phases due to the general elections in the country. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be seen defending their title in the upcoming edition as they won their fifth trophy in 2023 defeating Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final.
The upcoming season is also expected to be the last one for CSK skipper MS Dhoni who will look to bid adieu to the tournament in style by leading his side to a record sixth title in the upcoming edition.