Elections may force IPL 7 to be held in two countries

Indian Premier League

The 7th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) may be hosted in two halves, according to latest reports.

Indian cricket fans are set to be disappointed, as the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is considering hosting the IPL in two halves – one in India and the other abroad.

The cash-rich T20 league is likely to clash with 2014 general elections and shifting it out of India is one of the options being discussed in the board at the moment.

“Keeping the security issue in mind during the elections, IPL may be hosted in two parts — one in India and the other in another country. But it’s not yet decided which half will be played in the country. The final decision will be taken only after the election dates are announced,” a BCCI source told TOI.

The buzz is that the tournament might be shifted to South Africa or Sri Lanka. “We will get to know in another three weeks about which country will host the tournament if some matches are played outside India,” he said.

In 2009, the second edition of IPL had to be played in South Africa after the central government refused to provide security during the general elections. If it does happen, this would be the second instance of the IPL shifting out of India.

The elections are likely to be held in April-May this year.