Will the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 played outside India? Well, it certainly can be scheduled outside the country if the dates of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 clash with the schedule of the 12th edition of the IPL. If at all the dates coincide, it will not be for the first time for the IPL tournament to be held outside India.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would be compelled to move the T20 league out of India if the schedule clashes with the upcoming General Elections. According to an HT report, IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla informed that the board is awaiting the announcement of the dates of 2019 General Elections.

Shukla said, “If the dates of the general elections clash with those of the Indian Premier League, then the tournament will be held outside the country. But as of now, we are waiting for the dates to decide on how to go ahead with the scheduling.”

When asked about the other options of IPL, Rajiv Shukla said, “The experience of hosting the IPL in the UAE was brilliant, and that option is definitely there. But another option could be South Africa. Like I said before, the call will be taken keeping in mind the general elections and its dates.”

Earlier, the BCCI had moved the IPL 2009 out of India due to inadequate security and the schedule of the T20 tournament clashed with the General Elections. The 2nd edition of IPL had then taken place in South Africa.

Also, during the 2014 IPL, the first half of the tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Again, the reason for its moving out of India was the Lok Sabha Elections in the country.

If at all, the Election Commission announces the dates of the General Elections which fall during the period of April-May, which is most likely to happen, the IPL 2019 will undoubtedly be moved out of India. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about Indian Premier League 2019!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2018 09:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).