- Mar 4, 2024
- Mar 15, 2023
The IPL 2024 schedule is shrouded in mystery due to India’s upcoming general elections. While a tentative March-May window is rumoured, the final dates hinge on the Election Commission’s announcement. Security concerns during elections clash with the tournament’s usual schedule, creating a logistical jigsaw puzzle. The Indian Cricket Board is waiting for the election dates, to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure smooth execution of both events. Until then, the IPL’s highly anticipated season remains in a state of flux, leaving players, fans, and organizers eager for clarity.
However, cricket fans got a hint about the possible IPL start date during yesterday’s Australia-West Indies T20 match. Commentators Mark Howard, Michael Hussey, and Adam Gilchrist were discussing the cash-rich league when Howard asked Hussey about the travel plans for the IPL. Hussey mentioned needing to arrive in India 10 days before the tournament’s start and said that he would probably head to India on March 11th.
This suggests the IPL could commence around March 21st, although an official announcement is still awaited. This sheds some light on the previously unclear schedule, but the key stakeholder’s confirmation remains the key piece of the puzzle. Hussey then went on to praise the quality of the IPL, describing it as incredible.
“Got to reach India 10 days before the tournament starts. March, maybe 11th of March we are heading off. Looking forward to it. Great tournament, really is. Best players from all around the world. The best Indian players playing. It’s incredible. The crowds are unbelievable. ” Hussey said.
Mark : MS Dhoni is Back!
Hussey : Dhoni is Back, Might be hitting in nets!Gilly mentions Dhoni is using his Friend’s Shop Sticker in his bat. pic.twitter.com/IYASS9iWLG
— Abhi⚒️ (@abhi_backup07) February 11, 2024
Mark Howard then asked Hussey about the return of MS Dhoni who these days, plays only in the IPL. Howard acknowledged that Dhoni had already started practising in the nets. Gilchrist then took over, saying that he saw the clip of Dhoni batting with the sticker of a local sports shop on his bat. “I saw him hitting some balls in the nets, MS Dhoni. There’s a new bat sticker on his bat. Just a local sports store of one of his schoolmates. Whack the company name on your bat just to give a boost to sales,” he said, adding a touch of humour to the conversation.