IPL 2018: Play-off matches to be held an hour earlier?
With the 8 pm matches of 2018 IPL often ending around midnight, the Governing Council is contemplating to schedule play-offs an hour earlier. According to reports, the Council believes that 7 PM matches will benefit fans as they will also reach home on time. Here is everything you need to know about the proposal.
IPL Governing Council wanted the same prior to tournament itself
The IPL Governing Council wanted 7 PM kick-offs for the 11th edition right from the beginning. IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla had stated that despite the board pushing for this move, the franchises weren't keen on the same. The teams had an issue with this especially on weekends when there is a double-header. The normal timings will now continue up till the group stage.
Early kick-off for play-offs a wise move by Council
The play-off stage will have only one game in a day and therefore it is feasible for all concerned parties to have the matches at 7 PM instead of 8. Shukla stated that it will be easier for the crowd to enjoy the game and then head home with matches ending way before midnight. The scheduled end-time of a match is 11:20 PM currently.
IPL play-off schedule
It was recently confirmed that Kolkata will be hosting the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 23 and 25 respectively. Meanwhile, Mumbai will be hosting the Qualifier 1 on May 22 before the mega finale on May 27.
