IPL 2019 Could be Shifted to South Africa or UAE, Claim Reports
The BCCI had released the schedule of IPL earlier in the day. The tournament is slated to be held between March 29 to May 19 next year.
New Delhi, April 25: The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to shift the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in South Africa or the United Arab Emirates, an official privy to the matter was reported as saying by NDTV. The decision to conduct IPL abroad could be taken in view of the nationwide Lok Sabha elections to be held in 2019 throughout April-May.
A similar decision was taken by the BCCI in 2009 and 2014, when the previous general polls were held. While the 2009 edition was held in South Africa, the IPL was partially shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2014.
While some TV reports citing BCCI sources claimed the tournament could be held entirely or in parts in South Africa, a PTI report quoted a senior Board official claiming that the UAE will be the most preferred option to conduct the IPL.
"United Arab Emirates looks to be the most likely country where it would be shifted if need be," he said on the condition of anonymity, adding, "UAE's time zone suits the Indian audience unlike South Africa."
The BCCI had released the schedule of IPL's 12th edition earlier in the day. The tournament is slated to begin from March 29 next year. and conclude on May 19 -- ten days before the ICC World Cup 2019 commences.
India's first bout in the tournament will be played on June 4, when the team will take against their counterparts of South Africa.
The World Cup, being played in the UK, will be a round robin affair (where all teams will compete against each other in the league stage). As per the schedule, the much-awaited India vs Pakistan will be played on June 16 at Old Trafford.
Usually, the India vs Pakistan match -- a best-seller bout in all multilateral tournaments -- is given the first slot. For the BCCI, the decision to delay India's opening bout comes in accordance with its demand. The Board had appealed the ICC to maintain a 15-day gap between the IPL final of 2019 and India's first match at the World Cup.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 25, 2018 06:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).