The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might prepone the IPL 2019 by a week in order to offer players proper rest before the World Cup next year in England.
As per the existing schedule, the IPL will be played from March 29 to May 19, followed by the World Cup beginning on May 30. But as per reports from ESPNcricinfo, IPL 2019 could begin a week early – March 23 – so that the Indian fast bowlers could get a breather before they travel to England.
The BCCI understands the idea proposed by head coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli to the Committee of Administrators (CoA). The meeting was held in New Delhi and Hyderabad and was also attended by the two vice-captains, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. As per reports, Rohit was against the idea of resting pacers while Kohli was in favour of it.
Regarding key players being rested, Hemang Amin, the chief operating officer of the IPL management has conveyed to the CoA that it will eventually boil down to what the IPL franchises decide, and it is unlikely that they will be in favour of it. This is what may lead to the BCCI advancing IPL by a week.
India’s next big overseas tour starts from November 21 when they tour to Australia for a full series down under.
According to Cricinfo sources, the BCCI and IPL governing council are trying its best to host the IPL in India itself, however, the final decision will be taken when the Central Election Commission announces the dates of the General Elections.
