Reports : Chepauk unlikely to host IPL 2019 final

Generally, the complete Indian Premier League schedule is released before the start of the tournament, but this time, the process is different due to the upcoming general elections in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the schedule for all the league stage matches, but the schedule for playoffs is yet to be announced.

It has now been reported by TOI that the Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) will be meeting in New Delhi on April 15 to decide the venues for the four playoff matches and the renewal of contracts of the board’s sponsors. The apex governing body takes complete charge of the playoff matches, but it has been sceptical about hosting the matches at Chepauk.

This is because of the ban on the I, J, and K stands of the stadium. The empty stands catch the eyes of the viewers in every match, and the broadcasters have reportedly been not very happy about it. Traditionally, two playoff games, including a final, are played at the home ground of the defending champions, but there has been a question looming over Chennai Super Kings’ home venue, due to the discontent over the sealed stands of the stakeholders involved.

"It's a regular meeting where the venues for the playoffs are decided. But there is some discomfort about awarding Chennai marquee matches. It doesn't make for good viewing. The broadcasters are not very comfortable with it. It's been nearly eight years and the host association has not been able to get a clearance," said a top BCCI official, on Sunday, reported TOI.

The three stands, which were renovated and modernised before the 2011 World Cup, were soon banned after it was discovered that they violate regulations. Post the orders of the Supreme Court, the stands were sealed by the Chennai Municipal Corporation. After the matches of the mega event in 2011, the stands have only been used once for the ODI between India and Pakistan in 2012, that too after a special permission.