BCCI Mulls UAE Shift for IPL 2024 Second Half Amid Lok Sabha Election Schedule

The official announcement of the election dates is awaited, and expected to be revealed on Saturday, March 16. A BCCI official stated

Digital Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating moving the second half of IPL 2024 to the UAE due to the Lok Sabha election schedule coinciding with the tournament, as per a Times of India report. With the elections likely to be held in April and May, the BCCI is exploring options to ensure smooth conduct.

The official announcement of the election dates is awaited, and expected to be revealed on Saturday, March 16. A BCCI official stated, "After the Election Commission announces the schedule, we will decide whether the IPL matches should be moved to Dubai. Currently, top BCCI officials are in Dubai to explore the possibility."

While IPL chairman Arun Dhumal assured that the entire tournament would be held in India, preparations are underway for potential relocation. Some IPL teams have even collected players' passports as a precaution. This potential move to the UAE echoes the decision during the COVID-19 outbreak when IPL matches were held across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

The decision to shift IPL matches abroad due to clashes with the general election isn't unprecedented. In 2009, the entire tournament took place in South Africa, and in 2014, the opening matches were held in the UAE. However, in 2019, the entire event remained in India despite the elections.

Meanwhile, the IPL 2024 schedule has been partially released, covering the first 21 matches from March 22 to April 7. The first match will see defending champions Chennai Super Kings facing off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, the complete schedule awaits confirmation pending the election announcement.