IPL 2019: Hyderabad to host Grand Finale on May 12

The 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently taking place and is into its business end. Prior to the tournament, there were doubts about who should be the host of the final on Sunday, May 12. After all the speculations, it has been learned that the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad (SRH) has been zeroed in on as the venue for the Grand Finale.

The decision was taken after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) wasn’t given permission to open the three stands- I, J and K at the renowned MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, popularly known as the Chepauk. Rather, Chennai will host the Qualifier 1 even as Vizag has been decided upon as the venue for the Eliminator and the second Qualifier as per reports in Times Now.

Hyderabad was to hosts Eliminator and Qualifier 2

According to the tradition, the playoffs generally take place at the venues of the winner as well as the runners-up. As per that, the venues were expected to be Chennai and Hyderabad. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were the champions while the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were the runners up. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to bring in Vizag as well.

Hyderabad was expected to host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, but owing to the local elections, scheduled on May 6, 10 and 14, it wasn’t possible. The police mentioned that it wouldn’t be possible to provide adequate security arrangements for the IPL due to elections.

Earlier an official of the BCCI hinted about shifting of the final from Chennai. “We will have discussions with TNCA as we don’t want to deprive CSK their right of playing at home. But three empty stands is an issue. Hyderabad and Bangalore are the two standby venues for two playoffs, Eliminator and final,” the official was quoted as saying.

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