IPL 2018: Playoffs to be shifted out of Pune

The Indian Premier League (IPL) this season has witnessed quite a few changes. After the initial schedule was announced a couple of matches had to be moved out of Bangalore since the state of Karnataka goes to poll. Then due to protests in Chennai during their first at the home ground MA Chidambaram Stadium, all of Chennai Super Kings matches were moved out of the city and given to Pune.

Maharashtra Cricket Association’s (MCA) stadium in Pune already was allotted two Qualifiers as it was the home of the Rising Pune Supergiant who ended IPL 2017 as runner-up. They now had another six matches to host. But as it turns out based on the turn of events the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to takes those two matches to another venue.

IPL commissioner confirms

“Yes, the qualifiers will be shifted out of Pune. We will finalise the venue in a day or two,” IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by Sportstar on Friday.

The two qualifiers will be played on May 23 and 25, as per reports the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and the Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow have the best chance of getting the rights. While Kolkata has a huge capacity and has hosted many high profile games in the past the Lucknow stadium is yet to make its IPL debut.

Decision to be made soon

Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had earlier requested the BCCI to give them the playoffs since it has really good connectivity with Mumbai where the final of the tournament will be played on May 27.

The IPL chairman also mentioned that they are working on the details of the changed plan and the decision will be made soon enough. “We are working on the details. A decision is expected shortly,” Shukla said.

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