IPL to get a window in 2019

In fantastic news for IPL fans, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has confirmed that there will be no international matches to be held during the April-May window of the Indian Premier League from the 2019 season.

Earlier, it was reported that BCCI had been discussing with other cricket boards about the possibility of keeping the international schedule empty during the IPL season, which will ensure that the IPL will attract as much international stars it can.

“The other boards understand the opportunity of the IPL. They want their players to be available. In the FTP from 2019, there’s virtually no or very little international cricket during that period in the calendar. Our endeavour is to overcome even that little international cricket. That is a testimony to the strength of the IPL,” Times of India quoted Johri as saying.

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Regardless of the England and Wales Cricket Board hesitating towards this idea, the board had to rethink their strategy after Test skipper Joe Root showed his interest in joining the IPL Auction. Root will indeed be one of the top stars to consider in the upcoming auction.

Johri also dismissed all speculation of Indian players participating in T20 leagues abroad. He revealed that if BCCI will allow Indian superstars to travel abroad to play cricket in other leagues, the domestic setup of India will be disturbed. He also added that if world cricket had to be profitable, then the Indian team had to be a strong unit.

Johri also spoke about the BCCI negotiating issues about media rights with new partners Star in the auction to be held later this month.

“I think the BCCI is strong enough to take its own decisions. Having said that, we value each of our partners. We listen to every partner. We work in a collective manner,” Johri concluded.