IPL 2018: Pune would host two IPL games
Pune might no longer have an IPL franchise but the Maharashtra Cricket Association does not want to deny Pune fans the cricketing action. MCA had requested the IPL governing council to award two games, the eliminator and the Qualifier 2. The governing council has agreed to this demand and these games will now be played at the MCA stadium on May 23 and 25.
Pune given priority to host games
Pune has been given the first priority to host the two fixtures since it was the home ground of 2017 IPL finalists Rising Pune Supergiant. However, in case the Pune wicket is not ready, the matches will get shifted to Kolkata.
IPL 11 to kick off from April 7
11th edition of Indian Premier League will kick off from April 7, with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on returning Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 56 league matches will be played while 2 qualifiers and an eliminator will decide the finalists. The final will be held on May 27 at Wankhede Stadium. Here's the complete schedule.
Rajeev Shukla said Pune will be given the first priority
"There was a suggestion that since Rising Pune Supergiant was the runners-up last time, we should give first priority to Pune. (If) wicket is ready, the first priority would be given to Pune, if not, then we will consider Kolkata," IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said.
