IPL set to begin on March 29

The 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 29, IPL Governing Council chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed.

The tournament final will be held on May 24 in Mumbai.

The decisions were taken at the IPL Governing Council meet in New Delhi on Monday (January 27). Among other things discussed, the GC members along with the BCCI office-bearers who were present in the meeting also decided that there will be no change in the timings of the matches.

"There will be no change in the timing of IPL night games. It will start from 8 pm like earlier years. There was discussion about 7:30 pm but it's not happening," BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told reporters after the meeting. "We will have only five doubleheaders (4 pm and 8 pm) this time. IPL final will be held in Mumbai."

Even as Ganguly mentioned that there will be only five double-headers, it is learnt that, there will be six games with 4 PM start, while the rest of matches will continue to have a start time of 8 PM, even as the broadcasters had reportedly asked for an earlier start.

Among the major changes to the upcoming season of the tournament, concussion substitute and third umpire for no balls will also be introduced. "The concussion substitute and the no ball rule are new additions for the season," Ganguly added.

It is also learnt that Rajasthan Royals will be playing three of their home games in Guwahati this edition.

The BCCI president also added that there will be an IPL All-Stars tournament that will take place before the IPL. However, he brushed aside the possibility of the new stadium in Ahmedabad - which was the proposed venue for an undefined high-profile match to be held on March 23 - being a possible venue for the tournament. The proceeds from the game will go to a charity.

"It will be an IPL All Stars Game three days before start of IPL. The venue is not Ahmedabad as it is still not match ready. We have not decided on where we will make the donation," the former India captain said.

Agencies

 

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