IPL 2024 to start from March 22 as BCCI plans itinerary in two phases

Bengaluru: IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has said the BCCI plans to start the tournament on March 22.

"The BCCI plans to start IPL 2024 from March 22," he told a section of media.

However, the itinerary will be announced in two phases due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country clashing with the IPL schedule this year. "We are keeping a tab on the situation and since the dates for the general elections are announced, we can plan the later half of the tournament accordingly," he said.

Dhumal said the entire tournament will be held in India, rubbishing reports claiming the IPL will be held overseas.

In 2009, the entire IPL was held in South Africa, while the 2014 edition was partially held in the UAE due to the general elections. However, in 2019, the tournament was held in India despite the elections.

This year's IPL opener will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans.

The players' auction for the 2024 season was held in December last year and Australian pacer Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the history of the league after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore.