IPL 2024 Be Played Outside India? Lok Sabha Elections Cast Doubt Over Hosting Of Event

Cricket lovers across the globe are eagerly waiting for the IPL 2024 Auction, scheduled to be held on December 19 in Dubai for this will be the first instance when the bidding process ahead of the season will be held outside India.

However, there is suspense over the fate of IPL 2024 i.e. whether or not the premier domestic T20 competition be held in India. Cricket enthusiasts and fans anticipate the seventeenth edition of the cash-rich league but its fate remains uncertain due to the general elections in the country next year.

IPL 2024 To Be Held Overseas?

The IPL Governing Council finds itself at a crucial juncture, awaiting the announcement of General Election dates by the Election Commission of India (ECI). This pivotal decision will determine whether the tournament will be held entirely in India or if they have to look for a partial relocation of the cash-rich league.

When IPL went overseas due to Lok Sabha polls

The IPL scheduling amidst general elections dates back to the 2009 Lok Sabha elections when the competition, in its second edition, was shifted to South Africa. IPL 2009 was completely hosted Down Under.

Later in 2014, the first phase of the tournament was hosted in the UAE as the authorities were busy with the smooth conduct of the general elections. Fast forward to 2019, and the IPL successfully navigated through the domestic T20 competition without any overseas ventures despite coinciding with the general elections.

With the IPL 2024 auction slated for December 19, 2023, in the UAE, the anticipation among cricket aficionados is palpable. All ten franchises are gearing up to complete their squads, strategising and making crucial decisions that could shape the dynamics of the competition.

The auction will serve as a platform for teams to secure the players they believe will be instrumental in their quest for the coveted IPL title. The IPL 2024 retention deadline, closing on November 26, witnessed franchises unveiling their lists of retained and released players.

IPL 2024 Tentative Schedule

While speculations are rife about the IPL 2024 schedule, a tentative timeframe between March 24 and May 26, 2024, has been suggested. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled between June 4 and 30 in the West Indies and the USA, the BCCI will be under pressure to wrap up the tournament a week before the end of May.

An early conclusion of IPL 2024 will help the players regroup with their national teams on time and prepare for the global showpiece event together. However, an official announcement is expected only in February after the Election Commission declares the General Election dates.