New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is poised to unfold in Bharat even as the nation gears up for elections, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Anticipated to commence on March 22, the tournament coincides with the period when general election dates are likely to be announced at the same time. However, a top BCCI source has affirmed that the IPL will proceed as planned within the country.
Addressing concerns, the source stated, “There is nothing like that to shift the tournament outside the country, as the general election will also be at the same time. If any state doesn’t want to host the match at that time, with any justified reason, the match could be shifted to another venue.”
Teams participating in the IPL have already finalised their squads following the conclusion of the IPL 2024 auction, held in Dubai last month. The auction witnessed two instances of the record for the most expensive player being broken. Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc secured the title of the most expensive player in IPL history, joining the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore.
The IPL 2024 auction garnered substantial attention, witnessing a 57% increase in viewership compared to the previous edition. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that the auction drew a total of 22.8 million viewers, surpassing the figures recorded in the 2022 auction.
As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the upcoming season, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings are gearing up to defend their title, with the return of MS Dhoni as their captain. Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan expressed optimism about Dhoni’s readiness, stating, “He has recovered well from his knee injury. “He is undergoing rehab programmes and has started training in nets. By the time the next IPL starts, I am sure he will be fit to play.”
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