The BCCI have only announced the schedule for the first 21 games of IPL 2024 so far – here’s why.

IPL 2024 starts on March 22 with the fixtures list for the first 21 games out. However, the BCCI are holding back on the announcement of the complete schedule as the IPL window this year will clash with the Indian general elections, the dates for which are not yet confirmed.

Previously, the IPL has clashed with the general elections in the country in 2019, 2014, and 2009. Each time, it was dealt with differently by the BCCI.

In 2009, the entire tournament was shifted to South Africa, while the first 20 matches of IPL 2014 were played in the UAE before it returned to India for the second phase. The 2019 edition, however, was completely held in India despite the elections.

Why is there a delay in confirmation of the complete IPL 2024 schedule?

The 2024 general elections are likely to be held in April and May in various phases across the country. The official dates for the polls are expected to be announced in March.

Since the elections are clashing with the IPL, there’s a good chance that if matches are held in a city on election day, there might not be enough security forces available to safely conduct the game, which is what IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said.

“We don’t want to be in a situation where we announce the full IPL schedule and then the security agency informs us that they won’t be available to provide security for the specific venue games,” Dhumal told The Indian Express.

“It takes a lot of logistical challenges to change the venue at the last moment, lot of machinery work behind the scenes, and they need time to conduct each IPL game. So we thought let’s wait and announce only the first few games scheduled. We will announce the complete schedule once we get a clear picture of which state will be holding elections on specific dates.”

Will a part of IPL 2024 be held outside India?

Dhumal has already confirmed that the entirety of IPL 2024 will take place in India despite the general elections. “Given the time we have in April and May, it would be very difficult to take this tournament to any other country,” Dhumal told Sportstar.

“If you talk about Dubai, it would be very hot around that time, and other teams have their bilateral commitments. Given the number of matches we have, I don’t think many venues can take this load in such a short time. The team at BCCI is best equipped and we will take it as a challenge and have a good tournament.”

How will it affect the T20 World Cup starting June 1?

The 2024 T20 World Cup starts on June 1, meaning ideally, the IPL should wrap up a week before, that is, by May 24 or 25.

With the first 21 games to be completed by April 7, BCCI will have to conduct another 53 games in around 47 to 48 days. Assuming there might be a few days in between where no cricket will be played, the second phase of the IPL might turn out to be compact with more double headers.

“We might have to increase double-headers, but we will be able to give better clarity once the polls are over,” Dhumal told Sportstar.

You can check out the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2024 here.

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