Indian T20 League to start on March 26

The 15th season of the Indian T20 League is all set to start on March 26. The tournament was set to start on March 27 but the host broadcaster Star wanted the BCCI to start the tournament a day before, on Saturday so that Sunday can have a double-header. The request has not been accepted by the BCCI, as reported by Cricbuzz.

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The decision was taken in the governing council meeting, which also confirmed that 55 matches will be played in Mumbai, while 15 games will be played in Pune. Wankhede Stadium will host 20 games, while 15 games will be played at Brabourne Stadium. DY Patil Stadium will play host to 20 games, and finally, 15 games will be staged at Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) ground in Gahunje.

The news has been confirmed by ITL chairman Brijesh Patel. "The IPL will kick off on March 26, the full schedule will come soon. We will also have crowds but as per the policy of the Maharashtra government. Whether it will be 25 or 50 per cent of the stadium capacity will be decided by the government instruction," the IPL chairman told Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, BKC ground in Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, Brabourne Stadium in South Mumbai, DY Patil ground in Navi Mumbai and either MCA Ground in Kandivali or in Thane will be used for practice. Team's will be allowed times for their practice sessions.

Meanwhile, BCCI is also adamant on starting the Women's Indian T20 League from next year. "There have also been decisions with regard to Women's IPL, which the BCCI is contemplating starting next year. Cricbuzz understands that the Women's games will be held this year like before (a la Women's T20 Challenge), but a "serious effort" will be made to start a women's IPL from next year on," read a report from Cricbuzz.