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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is likely to commence on March 22 and the final will be played at the end of May. As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, the final schedule will be announced when the Election Commission finalises the polling dates for India's general elections (Lok Sabha).
Meanwhile, several cricket boards have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of the availability of their players during the IPL. Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe have made their players available for the entire duration of IPL 2024.
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Cricket Australia (CA) have made all their players available for the IPL barring Josh Hazlewood. The premier Australian pacer will be available from the first week of May meaning he will miss more than a month of IPL action. Also, players playing in the final of Sheffield Shield 2023-24 which takes place from March 21 to 25 will be unavailable for a short period. However, the players will have the right to choose IPL over the domestic first-class tournament's final.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has a few conditions as well. The players will be able to play in the cash-rich league unless they are unfit or have to represent England. ECB is yet to announce the T20I series for preparation ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 which means that key players may be unavailable. Rehan Ahmed is the only English player part of the long list who has withdrawn from the auction.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Cricket Ireland (CI) have operated in a similar manner. Ireland's Joshua Little will be available for the entire season. On the other hand, Mushtafizur Rahman will play from March 22 to May 11. Also, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam have withdrawn their name from the auction. They will play in the home series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe during this period.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play the second Test of the series against Bangladesh from March 30 to April 3 which is part of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. There is a question mark over the availability of Sri Lankan players as well. However, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindhu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera will be available as they do not play in the Test format.
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