IPL 2019 | BCCI seriously looking at foreign venues to host this year’s IPL

The 2019 edition of the IPL is just around the corner and the teams have entered the final stages of their preparation in order to make sure that they are able to perform at their peak in the international competition. With the conclusion of this year’s auction, the franchises more or less have an idea as to how their squads are shaped. However, the schedule of this year’s tournament is yet to be disclosed by BCCI authorities,

A recent report in Times of India, hinted that the Indian governing body has seriously started looking at foreign venues to host the Indian tournament. The report further revealed that a meeting took place between BCCI top officials and the Indian sports ministry in order to understand government guidelines regarding the hosting of a tournament abroad. The BCCI has been hosting the IPL since 2008 and is totally aware of the formalities regarding the organisation of the event in the country.

“We explained to them that the key parties concerned are the ministries of home and external affairs. Apart from the other two ministries, the sports ministry’s approval is required only in case of hosting the tournament in India. Still, they (BCCI delegates) wanted to make sure about the paperwork or permissions required on the sports ministry’s part,” a source close to the development told TOI.

Previously, the IPL has been hosted abroad on two occasions, 2009 in South Africa and the UAE in 2014, because of general elections. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri had recently stated that the BCCI was working towards hosting the IPL in India, since the official broadcaster and all eight franchises were opposed to the idea of taking the tournament to a foreign location. In addition to that the logistical issues and revenue loss are also important factors that can affect the decision. But the BCCI could be forced to take the tournament abroad due to the government's inability to provide security for the global event.

Apart from the national elections, the IPL this time has to also adjust with the limited-overs world cup which will be held from May 30 to July 14 in England. Normally, the IPL commences in the first week of April and concludes in the last week of May. According to Justice Lodha committee recommendations, a 15-day window is mandatory between the IPL and any upcoming international fixture.