IPL 2024 to begin on March 22, final expected to be played on May 26
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still working to finalize the final details before announcing the dates for the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As previously reported, the governing body is planning to start the proceedings on March 22, while the final is likely to be played on May 26, five days before the start of the T20 World Cup, which is slated to take place in West Indies and the United States of America.
The confirmation of the schedule can only be made after the election dates are announced. BCCI officials are optimistic about hosting the entire tournament in India, especially after its success in 2019. However, multiple countries have already reached out to BCCI with a proposal to host the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league, in case the management decides to host some part of it in another country.
Meanwhile, India’s five-match Test series against England will end on March 11. After that, the cricketers are expected to take a break before joining their respective franchises. The players will play a minimum of 14 games, which can jeopardize their workload management, especially with the T20 World Cup around the corner.
Notably, some of the international cricketers may decide to back out and join the national camp before the end of the IPL. However, the cricket boards have assured BCCI that the players will be available till the final. Nevertheless, the decision can be reversed if the players decide to manage their workload ahead of the mega tournament.
Women’s Premier League is expected to commence from February 22
On the other hand, the second edition of the Women’s Premier League is expected to begin on February 22, with the final to be played on March 17, five days prior to IPL 2024. Bengaluru and Delhi will be hosting all the matches of the league, as the official announcement is imminent. On the other hand, the cricketers are expected to join their respective camps in the second week of February.