BCCI changes IPL play-off and final venues; reason behind crucial decision

MUMBAI: The BCCI has changed the venue for the play-offs and finals of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League. The matches earlier scheduled in Hyderabad and Kolkata have now been changed. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will be the venue for the final on June 3. Earlier, the final was scheduled for the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. Mullanpur has been chosen instead of Hyderabad, which was the other venue for the play-offs.

The change of venue was brought into effect in view of the increasing monsoon in several states in the country. At the same time, considering the weather conditions in Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bangalore's matches have been shifted to Lucknow. According to the new schedule, Qualifier 1 and Eliminator matches will be held in Mullanpur, while Qualifier 2 and the final matches will be held in Ahmedabad.

After the IPL was temporarily suspended due to the India-Pakistan tensions, there were concerns that the weather would be a challenge when it resumed. Considering this, the BCCI discussed the change of venue for the remaining matches in a high-level meeting. The main agenda of the meeting held on Tuesday was the venue for the remaining matches of the IPL tournament.