An early start to the 2019 Indian Premier League is in the planning in order to offer the Indian players (as well as the international stars) some breathing space prior to the start of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Senior management within the Indian team has reportedly requested a minimum of a two-week break between the end of the IPL and the start of the World Cup.

ESPNcricinfo reports that Indian skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have put this request in to the committee of administrators (CoA) and the board’s senior management team. The pair has stressed the need for fast bowlers, in particular, to be rested and, potentially, even compensated if they sit out the whole of the IPL to prepare themselves for a World Cup onslaught.

If approved, the 2019 IPL might start as early as 23 March 2019 to allow the players the desired rest period before the start of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, which starts on 30 May 2019.

The BCCI is also still considering hosting IPL 2019 in another country due to the impending Indian national elections, but that decision is pending the announcement of the dates of India’s seven-phase federal elections.

South Africa has been mooted as a potential venue, with a delegation from India already having visited to investigate the facilities and speak to key role players.

The IPL 2019 player auction will be held in Jaipur on 18 December.

Full Story: ESPNcricinfo

Photo: BCCI