The start date for IPL 2024 has been confirmed. Arun Dhumal, the Chairman of the IPL Governing Council, announced that the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League will kick off on March 22 in Chennai. The opening match is expected to be between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and runners-up Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Arun Dhumal Confirmed IPL 2024 Start Date
As per previous reports, the IPL 2024 Schedule might be released in two parts because of the Lok Sabha Election 2024. Now Dhumal has confirmed that the schedule for the first 15 days of IPL matches will be announced initially. The remaining schedule will be revealed after the Lok Sabha Election dates are finalized.
Although the IPL 2024 coincides with the Lok Sabha Elections in 2024, Dhumal assured that the tournament will still take place in India. In the past, the IPL had to be moved out of India due to similar circumstances. In 2009, it was held in South Africa, and in 2014, part of the tournament took place in the UAE.
“The entire tournament will be held in India,” Dhumal added.
According to reports on Cricbuzz, IPL 2024 is set to kick off on March 22nd and will conclude on May 26th. The tournament’s timing, just before the T20 World Cup 2024, is seen as beneficial for teams as it provides ideal preparation.
Recent media reports suggest that the BCCI is considering announcing the IPL schedule in phases, similar to what was done in 2019. A source within the governing body mentioned ongoing discussions with the Home Ministry and Election Commission regarding the dates.
“We have been discussing internally and have more or less figured out the schedule but a final announcement is likely to happen the moment we get clarity and necessary clearances from the Home Ministry and Election Commission of India on the polling schedule.”
He added: “The schedule will be announced in phases. Like it happened in 2019. For the first few games of each team, we will release the schedule soon and then we get more clarity on the polling schedule and other important dates, we will announce the remainder,”
Arun Dhumal, in a recent update about the IPL, stated that the BCCI is awaiting the Government’s announcement of the election schedule. He emphasized that only after receiving this information would they proceed to unveil the IPL schedule. He said:
“We will work with the Indian government, agencies to make sure that the league takes place in India. We are waiting for the schedule of the general election to be announced and then we will plan accordingly…like which state will host what game at the time of election will be planned that way.”
With the IPL 2024 slated to begin on March 22nd, it will kick off shortly after the ongoing Test series against England. This leaves Indian players with minimal time to prepare for the league, considering that the Test series is set to conclude on March 11th.
