Indian cricket fans received good news as wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant made his comeback to the cricket field, playing his first full game since his car accident in 2022. Pant’s journey to recovery reached a milestone as he participated in a warm-up game in Alur near Bengaluru, signaling significant progress ahead of his expected leadership role with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. However, Pant will play solely as a specialist batter, with wicket-keeping duties deferred due to ongoing rehabilitation concerns.
In other IPL-related news, league chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed to PTI that the much-anticipated Indian Premier League is scheduled to commence on March 22 and will be hosted entirely in India, despite the upcoming general elections. The IPL’s 17th edition schedule has yet to be finalized, with only the initial 15 days’ roster to be announced first, pending the announcement of election dates expected in early March.
The IPL has a history of adapting to electoral circumstances, having been partially held overseas in 2009 (South Africa) and 2014 (UAE) due to general elections. However, the 2019 edition took place in India amidst elections.
Anticipating the T20 World Cup following the IPL’s conclusion, the final is likely to be held on May 26. India’s opening World Cup fixture against Ireland is scheduled for June 5 in New York, with the ICC event starting on June 1 with a clash between the USA and Canada.
Traditionally, the IPL kicks off with a match between the previous year’s finalists, with Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans slated to play in the opening encounter.
The 2024 IPL players’ auction, held in December last year, saw Australian pacer Mitchell Starc emerge as the most expensive player in league history, securing a Rs 24.75 crore deal with Kolkata Knight Riders.
