Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 12th edition is likely to be shifted out of India owing to the general elections in 2019 (April-May) according to a Board of Control of Cricket (BCCI) official. There is no final word but IPL 2019 matches might be played in United Arab Emirates (UAE). This won’t be the first time IPL will be shifted out of India. In 2014, IPL was played in UAE for two weeks.
“Due to the Lok Sabha elections, the IPL next year may take place in the UAE. There could be a possibility of a part of the IPL being shifted like last time. It will depend on the general election dates,” the BCCI official said on the condition of anonymity to IANS.
The second edition of IPL (2009) was played in South Africa. There were speculations that South Africa may host IPL 2019 but as it seems UAE is likely to host India’s cash-rich league.
IPL 2018 is underway and has already witnessed several nail-biting contests so far. The interest among fans has increased substantially because of the reshuffle of players and limited retentions. Also, the return of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) has also contributed to the excitement.
With Gautam Gambhir stepping down as Delhi Daredevils’ (DD) captain on April 25 and Shreyas Iyer appointed as the team’s new captain, the competition will be more intense. Now that the tournament has entered its middle stages, the tussle to enter the IPL 2018 qualifiers has begun.
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(With inputs from IANS)
