NEW DELHI: Indian Premier League chairman Rajeev Shukla Media has confirmed media speculation doing the rounds recently that a mid-season transfer window would be introduced for the IPL from the 2018 edition.
While the mid-season transfer window is common when it comes to football, this would be a first for the IPL.
Talking about this decision to Indian Express, Shukla said that it was an idea that was welcomed by all franchises. He said that it will provide an opportunity to players who are not getting regular games for their side.
“Every IPL owner agreed to have this in the forthcoming season. It will give chance to those players who are good but are not getting opportunities to be part of playing XI of any IPL side. We are having an IPL governing council meeting soon to finalize all these points,” Shukla told Express.
Apart from this, BCCI has also made a proposal to new IPL host broadcaster Star India to begin next year’s IPL games at 7 pm instead of 8 pm. The proposal was made as in the past, many games have extended well past midnight, causing problems to fans at the stadium, and to parents of kids at home, watching on television.
The idea was floated by Shukla at the IPL governing council meeting earlier this month. It was just a thought (starting game at 7 pm) and everyone welcomed it but first, we need to speak to the broadcaster and take their nod. We will work on modalities then,” he said.
If the idea is approved, then the afternoon games can also start at 3 pm instead of the regular 4 pm start. Shukla said everything will have to be approved by Star.
The IPL governing council is scheduled to meet here again on December 5.
