The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held exclusively in India, dispelling any rumors of a potential shift overseas, notably to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid speculation due to the General Elections in India.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah made it unequivocal to Cricpulse that there will be no relocation of the league abroad.
“No, it won’t be moved overseas,” Shah asserted to Cricpulse on Saturday (March 16).
Earlier reports had hinted at the possibility of certain IPL teams seeking a change in match venues due to the impending elections, with suggestions that the BCCI was contemplating conducting the latter half of the IPL in the UAE.
However, Shah’s statement unequivocally quashes these speculations.
The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the general elections, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 4.
With the election dates now confirmed, the BCCI is poised to unveil the complete IPL schedule.
Presently, only the schedule for the first 21 games, from March 22 to April 7, has been disclosed.
The IPL will commence with a match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In another development, Shreyas Iyer embarked for Kolkata on Saturday to link up with his teammates at the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Speculation had surrounded Iyer’s participation in the IPL as he was absent from the final two days of the recently concluded Ranji Trophy in Mumbai due to back discomfort.
Despite initial fitness concerns, scans have reportedly revealed no significant issues, paving the way for his full participation in the IPL from the outset.
This assessment is echoed by KKR officials, who anticipate his involvement from the start.
The Knight Riders are slated to kick off their season with a home clash against SunRisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on March 23.
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