In an announcement that has cricket enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has set the record straight about the venue for the upcoming 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It was on the sunny morning of Saturday, March 16, that Shah made it known that the shores of India will continue to host the entirety of the IPL 2024 season, putting to rest swirling rumors of a potential shift to the United Arab Emirates.
This clarification comes on the heels of speculative reports that had surfaced following the Election Commission of India’s declaration of the Lok Sabha election dates for 2024, which are expected to take place in seven different phases lasting from April 19 to June 4. Fans and spectators had been left to wonder whether the cricketing schedule would square off against the democratic exercises, as it had in previous years, leading to a relocation of the IPL.
The IPL, often touted as the most glamorous and cash-rich Twenty20 tournament in the world, has seen its share of venue relocations during periods of logistical conflict. Notably, in 2009 and 2014, the tournament was moved to South Africa and the UAE, respectively, each time coinciding with India’s general elections. More recently, the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic compelled the IPL to be hosted overseas in 2020 and partly in 2021. However, relegating the IPL to an off-shore venue is not on the cards for 2024, as confirmed by Shah’s statement referenced in Cricbuzz’s detailed report.
The highly-anticipated 17th edition of the IPL is slated to commence on March 22 in Chennai, with the BCCI having unveiled the schedule for the first 21 matches earlier on February 22. The announcement solidified the enthusiasm among fans and stakeholders who eagerly wait to absorb every delivery, boundary, and wicket that this cricketing fiesta has to offer.
In related news, Jay Shah also shone a light on the success of the ongoing Women’s Premier League. Displaying a meteoric rise in popularity, over 350,000 spectators have thronged the stadiums to cheer on their favorite female cricketers. This surge of public interest was palpable during the heart-stopping eliminator match, where the Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched a nail-biting five-run victory against the Mumbai Indians. The electrifying encounter, held at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, boasted a fully packed audience, creating an atmosphere befitting the fiercest on-the-field battles.
Shah took to his social media to commend the overwhelming fan support that the Women’s Premier League has garnered. He praised the indomitable spirit of the cricketing community, remarking, “Your unwavering support throughout the WPL has been nothing short of remarkable, with over 350,000 attendees filling the stadiums this season. As we prepare for the grand finale between RCB and DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, it’s vital to acknowledge the spectacular moments, the exultant triumphs, and the edge-of-the-seat finishes that have rendered this season truly unforgettable.”
As the Women’s Premier League approaches its zenith with a final that promises to be the very embodiment of what cricket stands for, anticipation is high. Echoing the sentiments of a grateful and enthusiastic cricket-loving population, Shah expressed his heartfelt thanks to the passionate fans who have made this season exceptional and extended an invitation to unite once more. In his words, “Let’s come together once more to celebrate the spirit of cricket and ensure that tomorrow’s final becomes a spectacle for the ages!”
This dramatic convergence of cricket and the national elections further illustrates the complex and vibrant tapestry of events that India is known to host. The BCCI’s commitment to keeping the IPL on home turf amidst the election season is a reflection of the nation’s love for the game and its unwavering determination to ensure it is celebrated with the grandeur it deserves. As Jay Shah puts the rumors to rest, cricket enthusiasts can now breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to enjoying the cricket season in full splendor, right where it belongs – in India.
