IPL play-offs and final to start at 7 keeping in mind the Indian fans, says Rajeev Shukla

Over the years, the Indian Premier League has seen tremendous growth at both financial and structural level. A lot of credit for turning this national tournament into a global phenomenon would be given to the passion and dedication of the Indian fans who have left no stone unturned to support their respective teams year after year.

The management, hence, has taken a step towards returning the favor to the great fandom. In an interview to Cricketnext,  IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla has revealed said that the playoffs and the final will start at seven in the evening in an effort to help the fans who have an issue getting back home from the stadium late in the night.

“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,” Shukla said.

Shukla also added that Eden Gardens was the chosen venue for the two playoff matches after shifting the venue from Pune earlier this week. "The GC has confirmed that Kolkata will host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 23 and 25 respectively.”

"We are happy to host the play-off matches and are looking forward to it,” Cricket Association of Bengal joint-secretary Avishek Dalmiya said. Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will play host to the Qualifier 1 and the Final on May 22 and respectively.