More IPL news
BCCI, Pepsi working to resolve IPL “concerns”
The BCCI are confident they can sort out the issues with the title sponsors for the IPL, PepsiCo, amid rumours that the latter might end their sponsorship.
Raina was the preference for Zimbabwe tour
It has been revealed that Suresh Raina was the first choice for the captain's spot for the Zimbabwe tour, but still he was given rest. Read here for more...
Banned Rajasthan Royals clutching at a straw
The Delhi court dropped all charges against the Rajasthan Royals trio suggesting that spot- and match-fixing cannot be punished under the Indian Penal Code.
Raina comes out to support Sreesanth and co.
India's limited-overs specialist Suresh Raina, on Monday, came out in support of the three cricketers who had been accused of spot fixing in the IPL.
Gayle to take a break from game
Chris Gayle is going to take a leave from all forms of cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan to join Uttar Pradesh
The young cricketing sensation Sarfaraz Khan has left Mumbai cricket team to play for the Uttar Pradesh team in the next Ranji season. Read here for more.
Ravi Shastri bats for suspended CSK, RR; IPL GC divided
Ravi Shastri supported the suspended CSK and RR franchises saying that the contribution of the two teams in bringing the IPL to such heights was immense.
Deccan Chargers eye a comeback in IPL
Deccan Chargers have taken a cue from Kochi Tuskers and are hopeful of a comeback in the next edition of the Pepsi IPL.
Gurunath was around the team a lot- Stephen Fleming.
Reactions of CSK coach Stephen Fleming on the Justice Lodha verdict.
‘It’s not for me to decide if it was harsh or not’- Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid responded to the Justice Lodha Verdict.
Governing Council to create IPL Well Being Panel: Rajiv Shukla
As the two big teams of Indian Premier League get suspended, the BCCI starts to make amendments to control the damages. Read on to know about the plans Shukla has in mind...
Justice Lodha verdict – RR, CSK suspended for two years
Read on to know about the latest verdict by the Justice Lodha Committee on the IPL spot-fixing controversy.
IPL History
IPL 2019 is almost upon us and the fans are gearing up for season 12 of the cash-rich tournament. This year, 8 teams will be contesting the league and vying for the title.
The series kicks off on the 23rd of March, through April and ends on May 19th. The opening match will be defending champions, Chennai Super Kings against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
The Super Kings are currently the most successful IPL team along with the Mumbai Indians, with three wins each. Kolkata are next with 2 wins. The inaugural winners were the Rajasthan Royals back in 2008.
Tournament Format?
The IPL schedule 2019 is planned in such a way that only the dates for the first two weeks has been released. However, owing to the 2019 general elections, there may be further changes.
Just like in the English Premier League and every other football league, each team plays their opponent twice. Once in their own home ground and once in their opponent's home ground. In simpler terms, CSK are facing RCB in Chennai on Saturday. The next time the two meet, it will be in Bangalore.
However, with the general elections looming, it is more than likely that this format will be thrown for a loop.?Instead, some matches will be held at neutral venues for security reasons.
Teams
There are 8 teams contesting the 2019 IPL season. They are, the Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. Delhi were formerly known as the Daredevils, but ahead of the coming season, they felt a need for a change.
There were also a fair number of former teams as well, who have now become defunct. They are, the Deccan Chargers, who were succeeded by the Sunrisers Hyderabad. They were part of the original teams, but dissolved after 4 years.
Next came the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, who joined in 2010 lasted only till 2011. The Pune Warrior India debuted around the same time as Kochi but managed to hold out until 2014 before dissolving. Then in 2016, after Chennai and Rajasthan were banned for 2 years, the Gujarat Lions and the Rising Pune Supergiant arose from their ashes. Sadly, they too were dissolved when CSK and RR returned to the fray in 2018.
Locations
There was a lot of speculation surrounding hosting the IPL amid the Indian general elections. Rumours were abuzz that IPL 2019 could be held abroad just like in 2009 and 2014 respectively.
However, the BCCI later confirmed that the tournament will remain in India alongside the elections. Their plan is to schedule a few matches on neutral venues on certain days to avoid conflict.
One thing is for sure, the crescendo surrounding the league will soon reach a fever pitch and the fans are eager to get things started.
How will things pan out this season? Will CSK or MI break the deadlock? Will KKR make it a three-way tie? Will it be some team else? Will RCB finally lift the trophy? Will the name change really mean a change of fortune for Delhi Capitals?
