IPL 2019 Schedule: Announcement likely after general election dates

It might be just a month and a half to go before the 12th edition of the IPL begins, but there is still no clarity by the BCCI regarding the complete schedule of this year's event. And now, according to a report in the Hindustan Times, the entire list of fixtures might only be released in March, after the general election dates are out.

A BCCI official told Hindustan Times that the schedule will be released after the dates are worked out in accordance with the hosting of the general elections.

“The schedule will take some time as we need to wait for the general election dates to be released by the election commission. Since this is the most important event in the calendar year, one has to ensure that we work according to the dates and plan the games in a way that everything is in sync".

"We all know the kind of arrangement that goes behind hosting elections and that is the priority,” he added.

The only confirmation that has been received from the BCCI is that the IPL will be held in India this year, and will begin on March 23.

On previous occasions, general elections in the country have forced the BCCI to move the T20 tournament out of the country. In 2009, the entire IPL was held in South Africa, while in 2014, a part of it was hosted by the UAE.

The Lok Sabha elections don't seem to be the only point to ponder over for the organisers - severe droughts in Maharashtra and the adjoining states, with the state government declaring as many as 900 villages as "affected regions".

With a logistical headache coming BCCI's way, they might be forced to, as some reports suggest, do away with the home-away concept, and organise matches in places where there are no elections happening.

Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on IPL 2019 points table, news, schedule, live scores and fantasy tips.