IPL start date confirmed... and entire tournament will take place in India despite elections

The tournament's eight franchises have been given assurance that the competition will go ahead as normal and not be relocated to another country, as has previously been the case

The Indian Premier League is to begin on March 23, 2019 and will take place in India despite clashing with national elections.

The tournament's eight franchises have been given assurance that the competition will go ahead as normal and not be relocated to another country, as has previously been the case.

In 2009 the entire event was moved to South Africa, while the first half of the 2014 edition took place in the UAE, as a result of a scheduling clash with federal elections.

However, the BCCI have confirmed that no such action will be necessary this year.

Although the tournament will start on March 23, although a date for the final has yet to be agreed. 

IPL organisers have had to bring the competition forward in the calendar year, owing to the timing of the World Cup, which is set to get under way in England on May 30.