Hyderabad to host the IPL final on May 12: Reports
The IPL 2019 has almost reached its business end, but till today, it was still unclear as to where the final would be held. However, as per new reports, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad will now host the final on May 12. Notably, it was originally scheduled to be held in Chennai, but the BCCI had reservations due to its three closed stands.
Chennai misses out owing to three closed stands
The three stands at the MA Chidambaram Stadium have not been opened since 2012 due to TNCA's inability to obtain a fit certificate. In 2015, the Supreme Court had stated that the stands were constructed without appropriate permissions, while they violate the regulations for public safety. This led to the BCCI shifting the final, since the board didn't want to lose out on revenues.
TNCA denied permission but Chennai to host Qualifier 1
There are reports coming in that the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has been denied permission to open the three closed stands. As a result, Chennai would now be hosting the Qualifier 1, while the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 would be hosted in Visakhapatnam. Further, the BCCI felt that Hyderabad is the ideal choice to host the final.
"Gate sales of the knock-out matches is BCCI's prerogative"
CoA chief Vinod Rai said, "We had to shift the matches from Chennai to Hyderabad after TNCA intimated us that they have not procured the requisite permission to open the three stands I, J and K. We would be having two knock-out matches in Vizag."
CSK, likely finalists, to be deprived of home advantage?
Notably, the report is yet to be confirmed by the BCCI. However, defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which are likely to play the final, would pay the brunt of this decision. The author feels that depriving them of their home advantage could prove costly, especially if the home team Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) make it to the final as well.
