IPL 2024 Schedule Uncertainty Due to Lok Sabha Elections:
The complete schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has not yet been announced. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has only declared the schedule for 21 matches. This delay is attributed to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections this year. The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the Lok Sabha elections soon.
Possibility of IPL’s Second Phase Outside India:
There is speculation that due to the Lok Sabha elections, the second phase of IPL 2024 might be held outside India, specifically in the UAE. According to sources, several senior officials of the BCCI are currently stationed in the UAE. Contemplation is underway within the BCCI regarding hosting the latter stages of the IPL outside the country.
Historical Context and Previous Instances of IPL Being Held Overseas:
In the past, IPL tournaments have faced scheduling conflicts with national elections. The second season of the IPL in 2009 was held in South Africa due to such disputes. Similarly, during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, the first half of the IPL was conducted in India, while the second half took place in the UAE. Even during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the entire IPL season was held in India. Notably, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCCI organized the IPL in the UAE. Thus, this wouldn’t be the first time the IPL has ventured overseas due to electoral constraints.
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