After one whole decade, IPL might return to South Africa in 2019

In a recent development, it is now being speculated that the 2019 edition of the IPL can witness an encore of the 2009 season, which took place in South Africa. The 2009 IPL, for the first time, witnessed the mega-event being hosted outside the country. Of all the cricket South Africa has hosted over the last decade at home, no party has come to town like the IPL.

And now after 10 complete years, it seems like a possibility again, especially with the rainbow nation beleaguered with their own Global Destination T20 League becoming a non-starter. Although talks are still in preliminary stages, the Indian cricket board is already busy working out contingency plans, much in advance, to shift its multi-million dollar property overseas if need be when the time arrives.

According to Cricket South Africa sources to TOI, “The only bigger sporting spectacle South Africa has witnessed was the FIFA World Cup. Even the 2003 ICC World Cup here paled in comparison to the excitement that the IPL triggered in 2009.”

BCCI faces a logistical nightmare for IPL 2019

For the BCCI, the 2019 IPL, potentially speaking, is already a logistical nightmare. The tournament coincides with the national election which is slated to take place between April and May.

Also, the ICC 50-over World Cup in 2019 begins on May 30. In accordance with the Lodha Committee recommendations, as directed by the Supreme Court, the Indian Board will have to ensure a 15-day window between the IPL and the World Cup. That aside, there’s the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulation window to follow, which demands that participating nations arrive two weeks in advance.

Thus, BCCI is already working on bringing forward the start of the IPL by close to 15-20 days. The 2019 IPL, therefore, could begin anytime between March 15 and 20.