The IPL is set to commence on March 22, with all games scheduled to take place within India, notwithstanding the concurrent general elections.

After a prolonged period of anticipation, the commencement date for the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been officially disclosed. The highly lucrative league is scheduled to begin on March 22, with all matches slated to take place within India, despite the potential clash with general elections, as stated by IPL chairman Arun Dhumal.

Given that the general elections are anticipated to occur in April and May, the IPL's 17th edition schedule has not yet been finalized. Dhumal informed PTI that the initial 15-day schedule will be announced first, with the remaining fixtures to be determined following the announcement of polling dates, which is expected early next month.

Consistent with tradition, the opening fixture of IPL 2024 will feature last year's finalists, the reigning champions Chennai Super Kings, and the runners-up Gujarat Titans. Notably, the player auction for the 2024 season took place in December the previous year, with Australian paceman Mitchell Starc securing the title of the league's most expensive player after being acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 24.75 crore.

"We are targeting a March 22 launch for the tournament. We are in close collaboration with government agencies, and our initial schedule will be released soon. The entirety of the tournament will be hosted in India," Dhumal remarked.

Previously, IPL President Arun Dhumal had affirmed that the forthcoming IPL season is slated to commence on March 22 and will be held exclusively within India, despite the concurrent Lok Sabha elections in 2024.