IPL 2018: Timings of playoffs and final game changed to 7 pm for convenience of spectators

The 8 pm start of night games, with slow over rates and breaks, usually leads to games finishing by 12 pm.

New Timings of IPL playoffs and final will be a boon for fans

The late finishes of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 games have come under immense scrutiny from many corners of the nation. The 8 pm start of the games has left the spectators no choice but to reach their homes late. In order to sort this problem, the IPL has decided to start the playoff games and the final of IPL 2018 at 7 pm instead of 8 pm.

Thanks to the slow over rates, some of the game has gone on to end at around 12 midnight and with matches slotted right through the week, this isn’t the most viewer-friendly practice as most also need to head to schools, colleges and work the next morning.

Speaking to CricketNext, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said, “The IPL is what it is because of its fans and the tournament has over the years been followed avidly both on the ground and on television at homes. So, keeping the interest of the fans in mind, it was decided that the playoff games and the final will start an hour earlier. So, instead of the 8 pm start, the games will start at 7 pm.

It gets difficult not only for those at the stadium but also for those watching on television as students and office-goers also need to get back to their respective stuff next morning and it helps if the game starts an hour earlier,” he explained.

The GC has confirmed that Kolkata will host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 23 and 25 respectively,” Shukla had earlier said.

The 67,000 capacity Eden Gardens emerged as the frontrunner and was adequately compensated by the IPL GC.

We are happy to host the play-off matches and are looking forward to it,” Cricket Association of Bengal joint-secretary Avishek Dalmiya said.

The Qualifier 1 and the Final on May 22 and 27 respectively will be hosted by Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 09 May, 2018

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