ICC ADDS IPL TO FUTURE TOURS PROGRAMME, SAYS REPORT

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League has in its 10-year existence annually overshadowed any international cricket during the summer months the T20 franchise event is played. Although almost all big names in cricket make a beeline to India during April-may to be part of the tournament, the International Cricket Council had not given its official stamp by setting aside the period exclusively for IPL.

However, that looks set to finally change. According to a report in Espncricinfo.com, the ICC has provided a window in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) from 2019 to 2023.

The report says an internal ICC document that has marked major global events during the cycle has also included IPL this time. The IPL has grown in popularity since it was launched in 2008. The dates submitted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are for about eight weeks, from March-end to Mayend. The BCCI and ICC were both against a window for IPL as it could lead to other domestic T20 leagues also demanding that, the report said. However, the issue seems to have been settled after a meeting between officials from both sides.

The Espncricinfo report said ICC general manager, Geoff Alardice had met the Indian board’s CEO, Rahul Johri last month to discuss FTP while preparing for the ICC scheduling workshop in Singapore, which was held last week. According to the events document, the 2018 IPL will be played from April 4 to May 27.