IPL 2018 | BCCI award Pune hosting rights for two play-off matches

IPL 2018 | BCCI award Pune hosting rights for two play-off matches

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After Maharashtra Cricket Association's request to host play-off games in the upcoming IPL, the BCCI governing council has decided to award the association with two play-off games this season. The GC also sought a legal opinion regarding Chennai Super Kings' ownership and value.

Pune-based Rising Pune Supergiant played brilliant cricket under the leadership of Steve Smith and made all the way to the final last year, but lost to Mumbai Indians by one run in the last game of the tournament. However, that became their only final appearance as with the return of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings to the eight-team league, the franchise ended their stay in the league. But, considering their impact last year, the local state association asked the BCCI to present them two matches this year and the Indian Cricket Board also gave them the hosting rights of two matches. The city will now host one Eliminator and one qualifier encounter.

"For the play-off, there was a suggestion that since Rising Pune Supergiant (which is now defunct) was the runners-up last time, we should give first priority to Pune. If the Pune stadium and the wicket is ready, the first priority would be given to Pune, if not, then we will consider Kolkata for the playoffs," Rajiv Shukla, IPL chairman, said after the GC meeting as quoted by Cricbuzz.

When N. Srinivasan was the president of the BCCI, he was also the owner of the Indian Cement, which was the major stakeholder in Chennai Super Kings. However, after some people complained that it was against BCCI's own conflict of interest clause, the Chennai-based franchise sold their stakes to another company. However, to get the clarification, the governing council also sought a legal opinion on the matter.

"As far as CSK is concerned, we had Justice AP Shah to give his opinion, who was also the Ombudsman in the BCCI, so his opinion has been accepted," said Shukla.

The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League will begin with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 7.

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