IPL 2019 could be moved out of India because of general polls

The general elections are due in India in the first half of 2019 and that could see the Indian Premier League (IPL) getting shifted to a different country. Among the probable alternative countries are South Africa, United Arab Emirates or even England, which is currently hosting India for a full-fledged tour, said reports.

If the 12th edition of the annual T20 cricket carnival in India is shifted, then it will be the third such instance. In 2009, the entire tournament was outsourced to South Africa because of the general elections. In 2014, the UAE hosted matches of the seventh edition of the IPL though partially as the later half of the tournament was held in India. While the now-defunct Deccan Chargers won the tournament in 2009, Kolkata Knight Riders were the champions in 2014.

The success of the IPL in venues like South Africa and the UAE has made the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) keep those countries under preference. “It [the planning] is an ongoing process,” Mumbai Mirror quoted a source as saying on September 11. The eight participants of the cash-rich tournament besides the three probable host countries have been informed about the cricket board’s plan.

Besides, the venue, the timing of the 12th edition of the IPL also faces a challenge. Even though the tournament generally starts early April and continues till May end, the 2019 edition is scheduled between March end and mid-May because of the ICC World Cup which is scheduled between May 30 and July 14.

India’s opening game in the World Cup against South Africa was postponed to June 5 from June 2 since the Lodha Committee recommended a mandatory gap of 15 days between the conclusion of the IPL and India’s next international assignment. The exact dates and venue of the next IPL will be approved once the schedule of the next general election is confirmed. The Committee of Administrators appointed by the Supreme Court was meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday to discuss the issue.