'No, it won't be moved overseas' - Jay Shah quashes all rumours of relocation of IPL to the UAE due to general elections

Putting an end to all the reports and speculations circulating around the Indian Premier League (IPL) being moved out of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has denied any plans to shift the cash-rich T20 tournament to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The clarification comes after reports suggesting a possible relocation due to the upcoming General Elections in India.

Reports had earlier surfaced indicating that some IPL franchises had requested a change of venue for certain matches due to the elections.

There were even claims that BCCI officials were exploring the possibility of hosting the second half of the IPL in the UAE to avoid any logistical challenges posed by the multi-phase electoral process.

Also read: IPL Chairman quashes rumours of league being shifted to UAE

BCCI optimistic to host the entire IPL in India

In a statement to Cricbuzz, Jay Shah dismissed these rumours, confirming that the entire IPL would be held in India as scheduled. "No, it won't be moved overseas," Shah said.

In earlier seasons, the tournament was shifted to the UAE and South Africa due to similar reasons. But this time around the BCCI is positive of conducting the full event at home.

The General Elections in India are set to be held in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1. With the polling dates now announced, the BCCI is expected to release the full IPL schedule soon. As of now, only the dates for the first 21 games, from March 22 to April 7, have been confirmed.

Also read: Emirates Cricket Board denies speculations of IPL being shifted to UAE

Meanwhile, the defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on each other in the opening game of the tournament in Chennai. Players participating in the tournament are joining their squad and are preparing themselves for the 17th edition of IPL.