The much-anticipated 17th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick off on March 22, as confirmed by league chairman Arun Dhumal. Despite the upcoming general elections, the tournament will take place entirely in India. Here are the key details:
Venues:
The entire tournament will be held in India in different cities from where the franchises belong, showcasing the country’s passion for the game.
IPL 2024 Schedule:
While the complete schedule is yet to be announced due to the elections, the BCCI will initially release the schedule for the first 15 days. The remaining fixtures will be decided after the Election Commission reveals the Lok Sabha election dates.
Historical Context:
The IPL was held entirely overseas only once, in 2009, when it took place in South Africa. In 2014, a portion of the tournament was held in the UAE due to the elections. However, in 2019, the IPL returned to India despite the elections.
Final Date:
The final match of the IPL is likely to be held on May 26, just before the T20 World Cup begins. Fans can expect an exciting cricketing season leading up to the global spectacle.
Tradition Continues:
The IPL opener will follow the tradition of being played between the previous year’s finalists. This means the Chennai Super Kings and the Gujarat Titans will take the field in the opening clash.
IPL 2024 Player Auction:
The players’ auction for the 2024 season took place in December last year, with Australian pacer Mitchell Starc becoming the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore.
The IPL has become a decacorn and the richest cricket league globally, attracting fans, players, and sponsors alike. As the countdown begins, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed matches that will light up stadiums across India. India’s first World Cup match will be against Ireland in New York on June 5, followed by the IPL opener between the USA and Canada on June 1.
Stay tuned for more updates as the IPL gears up for another thrilling season! 🏏🔥