The fixtures of the IPL 2020 are yet to be finalized and there are a few domestic reasons that are delaying it. While it is expected that the schedule will be finalized in a near future, it has also been learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the franchises are yet to agree on the dates and timings of the games.
According to a report in the New Indian Express, the tournament was supposed to begin on March 21 and conclude in the second week in May as the BCCI was in favor of not having games in extreme heat.
Even though the amount of the doubleheaders has gone down, yet the BCCI and the IPL governing council were exploring the possibilities of completing the tournament by mid-May so that the Indian cricketers get sufficient breaks. It will also ensure that England cricketers play the entire length of the tournament.
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However, the franchises aren’t in favor of beginning the tournament earlier than April 1 as players from countries like Australia, New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka will not be available till then. But if the BCCI accepts their demand, then it will lead to the IPL starting in the middle of the week and neither the board nor the broadcasters would agree to that.
Talking about the same, a senior BCCI official said, “If the board waits for all players to arrive then it has to push it forward by another week, which will affect a whole lot of things,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying. “The franchises’ demands are understandable. But if we have to wait for all players to arrive, then we are talking about April 1, which happens to be a Wednesday. The chances of making it a grand spectacle in terms of a full house is less.”
The official broadcaster Star Sports wants to see the games starting at 7 or 7.30 pm as previous seasons have shown that TRPs fall after 11 pm, especially on weekdays. Last year, the timing was a major concern as late matches lasted much too long. The franchises are against early starts for they are convinced such a move will curb their profits.
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One of teh franchise officials said, “On a weekday, fan turnout isn’t huge if high-profile sides don’t play. Starting at 8pm is ideal because fans will have time to finish their work and get to the stadium. It makes a huge difference. Even though dates can be adjusted here and there, timing is non-negotiable for franchises.”
In 2019, too, the IPL started early but it was because of the ICC World Cup which started in May end.
