If the reports of Times of India are to be believed, the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 13 may begin from September 19 instead of the proposed September 26 in the UAE as BCCI looks to make it up to the broadcasters, as STAR is not happy with the idea of missing out on the lucrative Diwali weekend.
The BCCI is thus likely to provide options to STAR, one of which includes beginning the IPL on September 19. This could also result in a reduction of evening matches, in line with STAR's desires.
IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed that a full-fledged IPL was on cards with 60 matches to be played in the 13th edition of the cash-rich T20 league. While an official announcement from the board is yet to come, the BCCI is waiting for approval from the Indian government before finalizing the schedule.
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The night matches could also start at 7.30 PM IST (6 pm UAE) instead of the usual 8 PM IST, in order to keep the broadcasters happy.
"They want to avoid the 4 pm matches, right? So, this option is available to them, to advance the start by a week. They should take it. If Star is so keen on an extended window for IPL - right now, 60 matches in 44 days - they should make an official request for a week's advancement, no?," sources say.
If the BCCI gives Star the choice to choose between the three-match white ball series vs SA or advancing the start of IPL by a week, the ball will be in the broadcaster's court to take the call.
(Times of India inputs)
