The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League [IPL] is set to kick off on March 22, 2024 in Chennai with a face off, between the champions, Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings who have clinched the title five times. The BCCI has unveiled the schedule for the 21 league matches, scheduled from March 22 to April 7 over a two-week period. The remaining match schedule will be disclosed once the Election Commission announces the Lok Sabha Elections dates.
IPL 2024 to Remain in India Despite Lok Sabha Elections, Says IPL Chairman
Arun Dhumal, chairman of the Indian Premier League has assured that the entire tournament will be held in India even if it coincides with the Lok Sabha elections. The only instance when a cricket match had to be moved to South Africa was back in 2009 due to scheduling conflicts, with elections.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement, “As in the past, the BCCI will work closely with government and security agencies, following all necessary protocols and advisories related to the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in India. Once the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha elections are announced, the Board will review and address any issues pertaining to the schedule of the first two weeks, Subsequently, the BCCI will work in tandem with local authorities to finalize the schedule for the remainder of the season, taking into account the polling dates.”
Except for Delhi Capitals, every team is playing matches at their usual location according to the official schedule that has been released so far. Since the Arun Jaitley stadium pitches will be exhausted after 11 Women’s Premier League games over the span of 12 days, from March 5–17, the Delhi franchise has been forced to move their first two home games outside of Delhi. DC decided to hold these games at Visakhapatnam.
DC Voices Frustration Over Pitch Quality as IPL Season Kicks Off !
While not being able to take full advantage of the home base is considered a major setback, DC has previously complained that the local association has not provided them with pitches that meet their needs. It was hoped that the extra two weeks would enable the curators to organize everything.
During the first two weeks, four doubleheaders will be played, with the evening games beginning at 7.30 p.m. After the opening ceremony, just the CSK-RCB first match between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli will start at 8 p.m. Five days before the commencement of the T20 World Cup in the USA-West Indies, on May 26, the IPL final is scheduled to take place, as per BCCI’s negotiations with broadcasters and franchise authorities.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) will consist of 74 matches this year, including four knockout games.
