The forthcoming year, 2024, is poised to be a significant one for India, with not only cricket but also politics playing pivotal roles. As Lok Sabha Elections loom on the horizon, expected to transpire in April or May, the cricketing extravaganza that is the IPL 2024 could potentially witness a rerun of history, reminiscent of the situation in 2009.
Just like its predecessor in 2009, IPL 2024 might find itself compelled to abruptly relocate to another venue, given the concurrent electoral process. However, despite this potential uncertainty, IPL chairman Arun Singh Thakur remains resolutely optimistic about orchestrating the tournament within the confines of India.
Armed with the knowledge that the T20 league is the world’s wealthiest, showering its stakeholders and the BCCI with colossal revenues, Thakur asserts that the Lok Sabha Elections will not adversely affect the IPL. In fact, the Board has previously postponed the World Cup to create a slot for the IPL in April and May, underscoring its importance.
There remains a strong likelihood that IPL 2024 will grace the cricketing stadiums of India, offering the BCCI ample time to strategize and select suitable venues. Nevertheless, contingency plans have already been laid, and should circumstances dictate, the tournament can shift to South Africa or the UAE, as it did in 2009, 2014, and during the pandemic in 2020. These countries have proven their worth by raking in substantial revenue for the IPL.
Notably, Arun Thakur is keen on avoiding another overseas stint for the IPL in 2024, actively working towards hosting the tournament in India. Thus, while history suggests potential upheavals in the tournament’s location, the chairman’s determined efforts indicate a strong desire to keep the IPL on home turf.
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