On Thursday, February 23rd, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the IPL 2024 schedule for the initial 21 matches for the upcoming edition. Kicking off the highly anticipated campaign, perennial contenders Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to clash with the reigning champions Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Chepauk Stadium on March 22nd.
Despite the Indian Premier League comprising a total of 74 matches, encompassing playoffs and the finals, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted to unveil the schedule for only the first 21 encounters. This decision stems primarily from the impending General Election slated for April and May. As the Election Commission of India has yet to finalize the electoral schedule, the BCCI is taking precautionary measures, particularly regarding security concerns, and thus planning accordingly.
Jay Shah, Secretary of BCCI, said:
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.
Nevertheless, this marks a familiar scenario where only a portion of the tournament schedule has been unveiled. In previous instances, such as during the 2014 and 2009 seasons, when the Indian Premier League (IPL) was staged in the UAE and South Africa respectively, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released schedules for limited durations due to external factors.
First Four High-Voltage Clashes of IPL 2024 Schedule
March 25: RCB vs PBKS in Bengaluru
IPL 2024 To Take Place In Two Phases Due to General Elections
In the current scenario, with impending general elections scheduled for April and May, the BCCI has opted to disclose the schedule for only 21 games. This cautious approach stems from the need to coordinate with the Election Commission of India and ensure adequate security measures, as was similarly observed during past elections. Notably, while the IPL has ventured abroad for tournaments in the past, the BCCI has opted against such a move for the 2024 season.
As the fourth Test match between India and England unfolds in Ranchi, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is simultaneously overseeing the commencement of the Women’s Premier League, which commenced on February 23rd.
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