Host broadcaster doesn’t want double headers in IPL 2020, also wants games to start early

The host broadcaster of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has told its governing council that they are against weekend double-headers and the timing of the games will be advanced by at least 30 minutes so that they conclude before midnight. According to Star Sports, games that have started at 4 pm have affected their TRPs.

However, to do away with double-headers will mean the duration of the IPL will be extended and that could affect the availability of foreign players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been under pressure to start the season early from March 29 rather than April as per the tradition so that the competitions gets over by May end. Starting in March end will also affect the availability of international players who will be on national duty at the time, like those from Australia, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka.

“Had we gone in with doubleheaders, we could have had our foreign players with us from the start of the tournament. Since that isn’t an option even on weekends, so we must start early so that the tournament ends by the last week of May. So, we have to do without our foreigners in the beginning,” India.com cited agencies quoting an unnamed franchise official.

The broadcaster wants the night games of the upcoming edition of the IPL to start by 7 pm or latest by 7.30 pm instead of 8 pm as is the practice now. Last year, matches went far too long and it had brought the timing under questioning as well.

“If you are living in a metro, you do know the kind of traffic issues there is say in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Do you seriously believe that it is possible for people to leave the office at around 6 pm and then come into the stadium with their families by the time the game gets underway? This is an area that needs to be taken into consideration before changing the timing of the game,” the official said.

Franchisees reluctant with early starts in IPL

Though the Indian board is okay with the broadcaster’s demand of removing the doubleheaders, the franchisees are reluctant to see the games beginning early fearing that the footfalls would be less during weekdays.

“See, we do agree that not just the broadcasters, even the franchises are affected revenue wise when you have a 4 pm game. But what you also need to realise is that the IPL is as much about the game of cricket as it is about getting kids and families to the stadium.”

“Now, having kids to watch an afternoon game is a little easier in the weekend because that doesn’t hurt their schedule as such. To have the kids go back home late into the night isn’t something that is encouraged,” the official added.

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