“We are looking at a March 22 start for the tournament. We are working closely with the government agencies and we will first release the initial schedule. The entire tournament will be held in India,” said IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal to news agency PTI.
Earlier, there were speculations that the initial part of the tournament could be played outside India like in 2009 when it was shifted to South Africa. The rumours emerged due to the Lok Sabha polls that the country will undergo this year around the time of IPL tournament.
Here are top players who are expecting to emerge as star players this year:
- Rachin Ravindra: The kiwi player who created a storm during his stint at the ICC World Cup 2023 was brought by one of the most successful team of IPL, Chennai Super Kings. With records he has been setting, it is expected that the player can emerge as a star player for the Chennai-based franchise.
Shamar Joseph:After playing remarkably well for January 2024 and earning ICC Men’s Player of the Month title, the West Indies’ sensation wasannounced the replacement for Mark Wood and is set to join the Lucknow-based franchise for Rs 3 Crore. - Gerald Coetzee: South Africa pacer Gerald Coetzee was signed by Mumbai Indians at the IPL auction in Dubai and this year’s tournament is set to be his debut game at one of most expensive cricket tournaments in the world.
- Spencer Johnson:Emerging in the crorepati bracket, the young bowler has been making headlines was selected by Gujarat Titans for whooping Rs 10 crore at the auciton.
As is the norm, the IPL opener will be played between the last year’s finalists, the winners Chennai Super Kings in this case and runners-up Gujarat Titans.
The players’ auction for the 2024 season was held in December last year and Australian pacer Mitchell Starc became the most expensive player in the history of the league after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24.75 crore.
(with agency inputs)
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