IPL 2020 likely to have no double headers as broadcasters reported to have their way.
IPL 2020 might bid goodbye to double-headers and it is supposed to have a 57-day long window from 29 March to 24 May.
According to an IANS source, the upcoming edition of the IPL might start on 29 March 2020 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and the Final be played on 24 May 2020. Such a long window for the league might mean that all days might have just a single match and there will be no double-headers in this season.
“While the full schedule isn't ready yet, the final is set to be played on May 24 and with the tournament starting on March 29, you obviously get a longer window than say 45 days. So, there should be no issue in accommodating one game a day. In fact, it should be a walk in the park for those chalking out how matches will be played over 57 days," the source told IANS.
IPL 2020: The All-time combined CSK-MI IPL XI
In the previous edition, all the league stage games were scheduled at 8 PM IST and the playoffs began at 7:30 PM IST. This year, all games might have an early start owing to a lot of reasons. TRP and ease of the crowds are two major factors for the time.
The source said, “See, TRP is an issue for sure, but let us not just put it on that as you can for yourself go back and see how late the games finished last season. Even for those coming into the stadium, it was quite an issue going back home after the game. While it is being discussed, but looks like we may start at 7.30 p.m. this edition onwards.”
“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 p.m. 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,” he explained further.
He also mentioned that the 4 pm games are unwanted for the franchises as well as broadcasters as it is tough to get in the crowds and the TRP at that time. “Do you believe that it is just the broadcasters who have a problem? Let us be real. Even franchises have a problem filling the stands for the afternoon games. So, it is best that we do away with the afternoon games and focus on one game a day,” he said.
(With inputs from IANS)