The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 is going to be played in India entirely, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on January 8. Speculations were rife that the IPL 12 would be shifted out of the country owing to the upcoming General Elections. It is said that the 12th edition of the IPL will begin from March 23.

Also, there are reports that this year the format of the IPL will be changed. The teams will no longer be able to play an equal number of home and away fixtures in the IPL this year. IPL 2019 Schedule and Venue Officially Confirmed: Indian Premier League Season 12 to Take Place in India Entirely, Starting March 23.

As per a report in Pune Mirror, it is said that the BCCI is hoping to conduct at least 20 games out of 60 games before the first round of the Lok Sabha 2019 Polls. It is also reported that there will be only three home games for each team this year, as against seven every year, while the remaining matches will be away fixtures or played at the neutral venues.

The BCCI is contemplating to narrow down a list of four to five venues which are ‘safe’ considering the polling schedule, which will be announced sooner or later. These four or five venues will host a slew of matches to accommodate the entire schedule in India, and not move the tournament out of India. Indian Team Players for IPL 2019 & ICC World Cup: MS Dhoni Opposes, Anil Kumble Supports Virat Kohli's Suggestion to Rest Key Bowlers.

The report also says that the IPL final will be played on or before May 15. It is said that the BCCI is thinking to have a break of 20 days before the IPL 12 Final and India’s first match at the ICC World Cup 2019. Also, by announcing the starting date to be March 23, the BCCI has ensured a 10-day break after India’s last international match in Australia.

However, nothing is formal at the moment, and it is said that the official announcement regarding the final schedule of the Indian Premier League 2019 will be made in the first week of February. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about VIVO IPL 12.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2019 12:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).