The Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff schedule is set, with the first playoff match on May 29, followed by the eliminator on May 30, the second qualifier on June 1, and the final on June 3. However, the venues for these crucial matches are yet to be confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is keen to host the second qualifier and the final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, but there’s a concern that the matches might be shifted due to the possibility of rain on June 3. The CAB has now submitted a report to the BCCI, arguing that predicting rain so far in advance is premature.
Weather Report
The CAB has obtained a report from the Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, which suggests that it’s too early to predict the weather on June 3 with certainty. According to the report, accurate weather forecasts can be made about a week in advance, around May 25.
The CAB is confident that they can host the matches successfully and has assured the BCCI that they’ve done a great job managing the matches so far. They’re hoping that the BCCI will consider their report and make a decision based on the facts.
The CAB’s report highlights that shifting the matches from Eden Gardens based on uncertain weather forecasts isn’t justified. They’ve provided documentation to support their claim, emphasizing that predicting the weather too far in advance isn’t reliable.
In related news, the IPL had to be suspended temporarily due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a military operation on May 7. The operation resulted in the destruction of nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. The IPL resumed after the break, with some matches being rescheduled.
The BCCI had initially planned to hold the second qualifier on May 23 and the final on May 25 at Eden Gardens, but the new schedule was released without confirming the venues for the playoff matches. The CAB is now waiting to hear back from the BCCI regarding their report and hoping that they’ll be allowed to host the big matches.