Mumbai, Mar 20 : Maharashtra Police on Friday said it would be better if the Indian Premier League (IPL) is held in the state after elections.

Maharashtra's Director General (Elections) Suprabhat Chakravarty suggested that the tournament should be put on hold till the election is over.

"There is no point in putting extra strain on policemen. They are already busy due to elections. It is a very strenuous duty to provide security during both the IPL matches and the elections," Chakravarty said.

The DG further said the tournament could start after April 30 when Maharashtra polling is over.

"So, where is the need to put extra strain. I mean, it can always be held after April 30 when the Maharashtra polling is over. Election period will be still on but will be a little better off. Give it a couple of days' gap and then hold it. That is my personal view," he added.

It is a big blow for the IPL organisers as at least 18 matches are to be held in the state, including 14 in Mumbai alone.

The IPL is currently scheduled for April, its dates clashing with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Polling in Maharashtra is on April 16, 23 and 30. As of now, 11 matches are planned in Maharashtra before April 30. Eight of them are in Mumbai - on April 10, 12, 14,15,17, 23, 25 and 26, and three are in Nagpur on April 19, 20 and 28. (ANI)