IPL
Image Courtesy: BCCI/Web/Twitter.

In the recent years, cricket has moved forward at a brisk pace and totals which were hardly thought of a decade or two ago, are chased down in limited overs cricket with utmost ease. In the modern generation, T20 cricket is considered as the way forward, and the first possible indication of how cricket is set to change is the Indian Premier League. For the first time one of the hottest properties in world cricket, the Indian Premier League is expected to be a bilateral free window during April and May after 2019.

The two day ICC meeting at Singapore was attended by the chief executives where a detailed presentation of the Future Tour Programme (FTP) was discussed from each member board of the parent body on 7th and 8th December where BCCI presented a revised schedule. As per reports in the Times of India, efforts have been made on the part of the Indian Board to make sure that all the member boards of the ICC keep their players free from all bilateral ties. It will also mean that the player will be participating in the full tournament.

Among all the boards only England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has still not committed to the two-month window, but India believes that it would come soon through. They happen to be the largest cricketing nation in the northern hemisphere and start of their home season from June- the time when IPL is played. However, BCCI is optimistic about the fact that ECB will keep their layers free from any overseas commitments.

The new window cycle will be beginning following the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup will be brought up to the notice of BCCI’s Special General Body meeting in the capital city of India on Monday.

A bilateral free IPL proves the importance given to franchise cricket in the recent times. This is the first indication of how the sport could change the factor 20 becoming the primary format to take the game forward.

“IPL will be the only global marquee event from 2020,” sources closed to TOI said on the condition of anonymity.

 

A Cricket Expert who loves revolving his life around the game. An extremely passionate music lover who loves singing and listening to Arijit Singh songs.