Sri Lankan Sports Minister Has Requested Jay Shah to Host a Few IPL Games in Sri Lanka

The commencement of IPL 2024 in March is anticipated, yet uncertainties persist regarding its schedule and venue. Scheduled to span from March to May, this seventeenth edition aims to conclude before the T20 World Cup kicks off in June. In contrast, IPL 2023 spanned from March 31 to May 29. The upcoming season is slated to commence and conclude earlier, affording players sufficient time for recuperation and preparation for the impending T20 World Cup scheduled for June 1. Despite these expectations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to provide an official update on the schedule.

The prevailing confusion and delay in announcing the schedule are attributed to the General Elections in India this year. The IPL’s fate hinges on the election schedule, with reports indicating that IPL 2024 might be held entirely in India despite the elections. Notably, while IPL 2019 occurred entirely in India during the elections, the tournament was moved abroad in 2009 and 2014. In 2009, it was played in South Africa, and in 2014, a portion of the tournament took place in the UAE.

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As the mystery surrounding the IPL 2024 venue unfolds, Sri Lankan media speculates on the possibility of Sri Lanka hosting some matches. Reports suggest that a meeting between BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Harin Fernando took place, during which Fernando requested hosting a few IPL 2024 games in Sri Lanka. The outcome remains uncertain, but with general elections on the horizon, the BCCI may consider conducting some games in Sri Lanka.

Amidst the uncertainties, it is worth noting that Sri Lanka faced setbacks in hosting international cricket events. While the country successfully hosted the Asia Cup last year, the ICC revoked its hosting rights for the ICC U19 World Cup due to government interference in the administration of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). This recent request to host IPL games reflects Sri Lanka’s continued interest in hosting major cricket tournaments despite past challenges.