Xtra Time Web Desk: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is likely to begin from March 22 to the end of May, pending finalization of exact dates due to upcoming general elections. Several cricket boards including Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa, Afghanistan Cricket Board, New Zealand Cricket, and West Indies cricket board have assured full availability for all their players till the end of the season. However, cricket boards of England, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have given conditional approval.
Most Australian players are available, except Josh Hazlewood, who joins the league in May. Cricket Australia assured full availability, except for those in the Sheffield Shield final. English players can participate unless unfit or have international duties subject to ECB’s summer program leading up to the T20 World Cup in June. Meanwhile England spinner Rehan Ahmed has withdrawn from the IPL 2024 auction.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stated that Taskin Ahmed and Md. Shoriful Islam will not participate in IPL 2024. BCB has granted conditional approval for Mustafizur Rahman.
Sri Lankan players are likely to join their respective franchises only after the test series against Bangladesh gets over on April 3. However, players like Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera will be available for the full duration of the IPL, as they do not participate in the Test format.