The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to be mulling on a significant shift in the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule, with the discussion now on to shift the IPL to an earlier part of the year. The relocation follows rising worries about the heat that occurred in May, and potential weather issues from an expanding league.
Weather conditions have become a huge challenge for the organizers of tournament, according to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal. Coaches are considering alternative scheduling with temperatures regularly hitting dangerous levels across several Indian cities during the later stages of the match, which could create unsafe playing conditions for players, coaches and fans.
There is one proposal that has been discussed of starting the IPL in mid-March, or even sooner, to help avoid the hottest summer season weather. Another window that is being considered is the February-April period that might help reduce effects of extreme temperatures and pre-monsoon.
The problem is having become acute, the IPL is set to expand further in the years to come. More teams and more matches would need even more space in an already jam-packed international cricket schedule. BCCI officials are now exploring options to help balance up players’ workload, commitments to broadcast and other international cricket schedules whilst keeping the league popular and profitable.
Earlier start also would minimize the chance of rain interruptions and would enhance the playing conditions for a more sustainable tournament in the future. The final decision is not yet made, but there is a strong possibility that changes to the IPL calendar will be a key focus for cricket administrators in the near future.