IPL 2024's Second Half To Be Relocated To UAE - Reports

MS Dhoni swinging hard in IPL 2023 (X.com)MS Dhoni swinging hard in IPL 2023 (X.com)

India finds itself at the crossroads of two major national events yet again, as the general election year coincides with the spectacle of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Amidst speculation and deliberation, there are some reports suggesting that the second phase of the IPL might find its stage set in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

This decision, if materialized, would mark a significant departure from the usual domestic cricketing landscape, bringing about its own set of implications and adjustments for players, organizers, and fans alike.


When the IPL officials couldn't set dates for all the matches because of the upcoming elections, they played it safe and only announced the schedule for the first 21 games. This wasn't the first time they faced this issue. Two times before, they had to move IPL matches to other countries during elections. Each time, the BCCI handled it differently.

In 2009, because of a serious attack the year before, the entire IPL season was moved to South Africa. The government tightened security to make sure everything went smoothly.

In 2014, the IPL kicked off with its first 20 games being held in the UAE before returning to India for the remainder of the tournament. However, in 2019, the entire tournament took place solely in India without any matches being played abroad.


Why The Potential Shift of IPL to UAE Could Happen?

Since the elections are set for April and May this year, some reports suggest that the IPL committee believes it's risky to hold the tournament in India as usual, with the same security measures. The latest news hints that they might relocate the IPL to the UAE instead.

Moving the IPL out of India is really tough because of all the planning involved. But since the elections are coming up, the IPL organizers don't have many choices. Plus, there's the T20 World Cup in early June, so time is tight. Considering the risk and the schedule, shifting the IPL seems like the best move for both the IPL organizers and the BCCI.