Reports: Broadcasters Star in favour of starting IPL 2022 from March 26

The mega auction for the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) took place over the last weekend. All the 10 franchises formed their squads after retaining/picking 3-4 players earlier. The fans are now eagerly waiting for the BCCI to announce the schedule with the IPL 2022 expected to start on March 27. However, it has been learnt that the broadcaster Disney Star are in favour of the tournament starting from March 26.

BCCI has been reportedly thinking on this proposal from Star who are insisting on a Saturday start. The broadcasters are keen on the first double-header on Sunday itself as it will create a much-needed fever of IPL among the fans. Also on the first day generally, only the opening match is played. Moreover, with start date not fixed yet, it is understood that the BCCI hasn’t released the schedule yet.

“We understand that a Saturday start helps the broadcaster to kick-start the league with a bang with three matches in the first weekend. A Sunday inauguration would not permit that. The BCCI and the broadcasters were in discussion over this and eventually it could be on March 26,” a franchise official close to the know of developments said while speaking to Cricbuzz.

Star has asked commentators to be ready from March 19

Meanwhile, the Cricbuzz report also added that the Star has asked the IPL commentators to be ready and available from March 19 to June 7. The start and end date of IPL is not finalised yet but the broadcasters seem to be playing safe in this aspect.

“At the onset, wanted to check with you on your availability for IPL 2022 on the world feed broadcast. So request you to please provide your availability not only for the tournament but probably say minus 8-10 days from the start date and plus five days from the end date to be safe, so effectively from 19th March 2022 to say June 7, 2022 (sic),” Star’s recent communication on mail read.