IPL 2024 moving to UAE? BCCI Secretary Jay Shah provides Final Verdict

Add as a preferred source on Google

The IPL 2024, the 17th edition of the prestigious tournament, is set to commence on March 22.

The coveted competition is expected to create bigger and greater waves this season, but since the announcement of the schedule, there has been doubt over the competition's fate.

Due to the Indian General Election this year, IPL decided to announce the schedule for the first couple of weeks and then further scheduling was supposed to be done after the Election announcements.

There were rumours that the tournament may be shifted to UAE or any other overseas countries, as it was done partially in the IPL 2014 season, whereas the IPL was entirely shifted to South Africa back in 2009.

Amid the hurling rumours, BCCI has confirmed that the tournament will not go overseas this year. This announcement puts to rest the swirling rumors of an overseas shift, specifically to UAE, in light of India's General Elections.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah cleared the air by stating that the tournament will be played entirely in India.

"No, it won't be moved overseas," Shah was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Saturday, the day the Election Commission of India announced the full schedule of the upcoming Lok Sabha Election. Spanning seven phases, the elections are to be held from April 19 to June 4.

Jay Shah's declaration has clarified the BCCI's stance on the matter, ensuring the league's continuation in India. With this schedule now in place, the BCCI is expected to soon announce the complete IPL itinerary. As of now, the schedule for the first 21 matches, running from March 22 to April 7, has been shared.

The IPL season will open with a face-off between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.