MUMBAI: The BCCI’s best efforts to ensure all matches of the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League take place in the country have reportedly come a cropper, putting paid to hopes raised separately by the Indian cricket board’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary and board CEO Rahul Johri.
That the 12th edition of world cricket’s biggest annual tournament will move abroad looks a certainty now as a result of its clashing with the upcoming general elections, due latest in March-April.
A recent meeting between the BCCI bosses and the Sports Ministry officials has stirred a speculation that the cricket board is looking to take IPL 2019 outside the country, having successfully done so on two occasions before – in 2009 (South Africa) and 2014 (partly in UAE) – because of the same reason as this year (general elections), Times of India reports.
IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla had earlier spoken to Hindustan Times about the possibilities of hosting the tournament on foreign shores this season, suggesting a clash of dates with the general elections would leave the management with not many options other than taking the cash-rich league outside the country.
“If the dates of the general elections clash with those of the Indian Premier League, then the tournament will be held outside the country. But as of now, we are waiting for the dates to decide on how to go ahead with the scheduling,” Shukla had said.
IPL 12 is expected to start on March 29, while the general elections are also expected to be held in March–April.
Additionally, the fact that ICC World Cup will be held two weeks after the IPL concludes does not leave the BCCI any room for manoeuvre.
Also Read:
BCCI to coordinate with govt on holding IPL games in poll bound India
