IPL 2018: Kolkata, Rajasthan stand for change in match timings

Matches could start at 3.30 and 7.30 respectively.

Change in match timings are expected in IPL 2018. (Twitter)While the rest of the IPL teams are opposing the change in match timings proposed by  BCCI, KKR and Rajasthan have stood for it. Traditionally, the day matches have been starting at 4 pm and the night matches commence at 8 pm. As per the recent suggestions put forth by the broadcasters Star, the matches could see an early start by half an hour.

The broadcasters have clearly cited that the viewership of the matches declines as the evening time progresses. Hence, having 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm starts could potentially benefit the broadcasters. The owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders feel that an early start will be beneficial for the stadium audiences as well. This will ensure that they can go home early compared to the late finishes they had to wait for up until the previous edition of the tournament.

The broadcasters have clearly cited that the viewership of the matches declines as the evening time progresses. Hence, having 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm starts could potentially benefit the broadcasters. The owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders feel that an early start will be beneficial for the stadium audiences as well. This will ensure that they can go home early compared to the late finishes they had to wait for up until the previous edition of the tournament.

Rajasthan Royals has backed the move from BCCI voicing their concern regarding the transportation in smaller cities.  “We would prefer an early finish. In Jaipur, people tend to sleep early. If there are no doubleheaders, we are comfortable. In fact, I have suggested that on weekends, instead of evening games, we can have breakfast games" Rajasthan CEO quoted. 

Royals CEO Ranjit Balthakur further adviced the BCCI to keep morning games on weekends. The change in match timings was also proposed keeping the ad sponsors.An early start would also boost the ads which are generally televised during the halftime break or the post-match presentations. 

An early finish would also mean that the players would get that extra time for travel and getting themselves relaxed. The IPL auctions were held on the 27th &28th January with teams renewing their side all over again. 

The eleventh edition of the IPL will be played from April 7 to May 27.

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 10 Feb, 2018

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