The 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League could well be held outside India if the dates clash with the general elections of the country. The BCCI has a couple of options if they do decide to take the tournament outside the country.
It will also not be the first time the IPL will be held outside India as the tournament was held in South Africa in 2009. In 2014, the first half of the tournament was held in the UAE. In both these years, it was the general elections which forced the change in venue.
'We are waiting for the dates to decide in the scheduling'
"If the dates of the general elections clash with those of the Indian Premier League, then the tournament will be held outside the country. But as of now, we are waiting for the dates to decide on how to go ahead with the scheduling," Rajeev Shukla, chairman of the IPL was as quoted by Hindustan Times.
The year 2018 proved to be a bumper hit with the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Also, with Star bagging the broadcasting rights for a whopping Rs 16,347.50 crore ($2.55 billion) for a period of 5 years, this edition was the most successful for the tournament.
Speaking about the venues, Shukla said that the experience of holding the IPL in South Africa and UAE were brilliant and the options are very open.
"The experience of hosting the IPL in the UAE was brilliant and that option is definitely there. But another option could be South Africa. Like I said before, the call will be taken keeping in mind the general elections and its dates," Shukla further added.
Another option which is doing the rounds is England, but the high logistical cost could work against it. Also, as things stand now, BCCI could well move shop to South Africa owing to the larger number of venues as compared to UAE which would help it host more matches across the country.
