After the extravagant closure to the 4th edition of the Indian Premier League, preparation for the next edition, to be held in 2012, has already begun. Although the schedule has not been officially declared, a tentative fixture is under progress. This rough schedule will be made in accordance with maximum number of players for the tournament. The tournament is most likely to begin from the April 4, 2012, and after fifty four days of unadulterated cricket frenzy, end on May 27. The chairman of the IPL, Chirayu Amin, has promised to furnish to the media, and the respective franchise with the full length schedule soon enough.

Just like the last time, 10 teams would feature in the group stages, which will follow the league pattern that was initiated in the last season. In total, there would be seventy four matches, including the much anticipated semi finals and finals. In fact, due to the immense viewership of the IPL, the ICC will decide about the future of the league in its upcoming Future Tours Program that is to be held in Hong Kong soon enough. Besides various points, the officials of ICC will ponder upon the necessity of a separate window for the extravagant league.

The matches, as usual, will be distributed throughout the entire length and breadth of the country. Most of the prestigious venues, including the Eden Gardens, Green Park, Sardar DY Patil Stadium, Wankhede, PCA Stadium, etc. will witness some of the toughest encounters between the various teams. Also, the initiation of the tournament would be marked by a grand opening ceremony, in which most of the famous and noteworthy performers of the country will take part. The final would be preceded by a closing ceremony comprising of famous performances of artists from different spheres of entertainment and music.