IPL 2018: Match timings likely to change if broadcasters Star India gives approval

The hype around the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has already started. The cash rich tournament is all set to get into its eleventh edition – the most among any T20 league around the globe. The hype has been huge, largely due to the return of the two popular franchises – Chennai Super Kings and the Royals.

Moreover, there has been an added buzz revolving around the player auctions which would take place in early 2018. In addition to these, the headlines about the player retention and the Right to Match cards is also something that the teams and the fans are looking up to. Now, some recent reports suggest that the IPL matches could potentially have an early start.

Night games at 7 pm

Over the years, the day matches have been played at 4 pm (IST) and the night matches have commenced at 8 pm (IST). Now, the members of the IPL governing council have proposed an early start by an hour for both the time slots. This has been requested citing the different problems that the teams have in the night games.

It gets very late by the time the players reach back to the hotel after the game. Also, the same is applicable for the fans too. If the matches commences an hour earlier, say at 7 pm, things could be sorted to a great extent. All the team owners have welcomed the move already in a recent meeting. However, the final call will be taken by the Star India, the new official broadcasters of the tournament.

“It was just a thought (starting game at 7 pm) and everyone welcomed it but first we need to speak to broadcaster and take their nod. We will work on modalities then. There are many centres where traveling is major concern. All the issues were discussed and we all thought to start the game but early,” IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla told The Indian Express.