Amidst the announcement of dates for the upcoming general election, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has affirmed that the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will indeed take place within the country’s borders in its entirety.
In a statement to The Indian Express, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah assured cricket enthusiasts that the IPL would proceed as planned within India. “Complete IPL will happen in India only. BCCI is working on the full schedule and will make it public soon,” Shah stated.
The decision comes despite the scheduled general election, which is slated to unfold in seven phases, commencing on April 19 and culminating in the counting of votes on June 4. Notably, a similar scenario unfolded during the 2019 general election, yet the IPL successfully unfolded within the nation’s confines.
Addressing the logistical challenges posed by the concurrent events, Shah emphasized the BCCI’s commitment to liaising with government and security agencies, adhering to all requisite protocols and advisories pertinent to the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.
In a previous press release unveiling the schedule for the first 21 IPL games spanning from March 22 to April 7, Shah had outlined the BCCI’s approach to navigating the electoral landscape. “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,” Shah affirmed.
Furthermore, Shah underscored the BCCI’s collaborative efforts with local authorities to finalize the tournament schedule, ensuring alignment with the polling dates.
Moreover, the season’s inaugural clash is scheduled to unfold between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on March 22.
