IPL 2019 schedule announced, Oman dismissed for 24 and more - Cricket News Today, 19th February 2019
It's Dhoni vs Kohli in IPL opener
IPL 2019 will kick-start with a mouthwatering south derby between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai on March 23. The schedule for the first two weeks of the tournament was announced on Tuesday.
Over the first couple of weeks, 17 matches will be played. Six of the teams will lock horns across four games during this period.
Virat Kohli's RCB and Delhi Capitals will play five of their games in these two weeks while all the teams will feature in two home fixtures. Delhi, being the exception, will host three IPL games.
The traditional double-headers will be played on the weekends. Three of those will take place in the first two weeks.
There has been a talking point regarding the timing of the games as it has been listed as afternoon, evening in the fixture details.
There are still clouds hovering around the proceedings due to the 2019 general election clashing with the IPL window.
"Once the election dates are released we will address any issues with the first two weeks and also prepare a schedule for the remainder of the season working with the local authorities around the polling dates," a statement on the IPL website said.
India can win the World Cup without facing Pakistan: Harbhajan
Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged the Indian team not to play against Pakistan in the upcoming 2019 World Cup. A terror attack in Pulwama shook India as 44 personnel of the CRPF were killed.
According to Harbhajan, India are good enough to win the World Cup without facing Pakistan in the group stages. “India should not play Pakistan in the world Cup. India are powerful enough to win the World Cup without having to play Pakistan,” the spinner told Aaj Tak.
He said all ties with the neighboring nation should be cut-off else nothing will change. There have been strong reactions to the recent event.
“This is a difficult time. The attack that has happened, it was unbelievable and it’s very wrong. Strict action will surely be taken by the government. When it comes to cricket, I don’t think we should have any relations with them otherwise they will keep treating us like this." he added.
On whether India should compete with Pakistan if both the teams make it to the knock-out stage, Harbhajan said that it is up to the concerned persons and there is time to think over it.