The 2024 Indian Premier League will be played in India despite the General Elections, confirms Arun Dhumal

The Indian Premier League has clashed with the General Assembly Elections three times since it's inception.

The Indian Premier League Trophy (Image via ESPN)

Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman, Arun Dhumal, has confirmed that the 2024 IPL will be played in India despite the 2024 Assembly Elections. Talking to Jagran News, Dhumal confirmed that the dates of the franchise tournament will be announced after the dates of the elections.

Due to the last 3 Assembly Elections, the IPL had to change locations or set up their schedule in accordance with the elections. In 2009 the IPL was played in South Africa, while the 2014 IPL had its first few games in the United Arab Emirates. The 2019 IPL was played completely in India, but the schedule was made in accordance with the elections. Matches were played before or after the voting period and the BCCI ensured it never clashed with the voting dates of the states.

Arun Dhumal told Jagran News, “The IPL will be held in India next year. We will need time to make the schedule because it will be made after the Election Committee announces the dates of the general elections. We will have to see when the different states have their elections and will make the schedule accordingly. We will need to wait and will need to work with the government.”

Lasith Malinga returns to Mumbai Indians as a bowling coach

Indian Premier League giant, Mumbai Indians, have announced the return of Lasith Malinga to their franchise as their bowling coach. The Sri Lankan pacer played for Mumbai Indians from the inaugural 2008 IPL till 2019. After his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2021, he shifted his focus towards coaching.

Lasith Malinga is lifted by Kieron Pollard after he successfully defended 13 in the last over (Image via ESPN)

Malinga had gone unsold in the 2018 IPL Auctions, but was hired as a bowling mentor for the Mumbai Indians. After retiring, he joined Rajasthan Royals as their bowling coach while also coaching MI Cape Town and MI New York. On 20th October, Mumbai Indians announced that Malinga had replaced Shane Bond as their bowling coach.