IPL 2018: Kings XI Punjab to have two home venues in the season

The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) recently made a request to the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council regarding a shuffle between their home venues for the season. The franchise wanted their home matches for the upcoming season to swapped between two venues. While most of the teams prefer having one home venue for the tournament, the Kings have preferred two venues for the season.

The team management has cited logistical reasons for such a move. It comes as a surprise to many considering the fact that the teams often want just one venue as their home venue and then strive to make it their fortress. However, the problem in the case of the Kings XI Punjab seem to be very peculiar and particular to their case.

Logistical issues in Mohali

The Chandigarh airport is set to be closed for all commercial operations between May 12 and May 31. With this situation springing up, the KXIP camp requested the IPL GC to reschedule their two matches from Mohali. The IPL GC has approved the request.

And now, the first three home matches for the Kings XI Punjab will be played at Mohali, while the next four home games will be played in Indore. It is worth noting that the home matches of the team in April will be played in Mohali, and the ones scheduled for May have been shifted to Indore. Indore will host the home fixtures for the Kings on May 4, May 6, May 12, and May 14.

“There were logistical difficulties that teams would have encountered had KXIP played their home games in Mohali in May. Therefore the IPL Governing Council has decided that the dates will be swapped and Indore will now host all their matches in May,” acting BCCI president and IPL governing council member CK Khanna had told PTI.

The KXIP camp is keen on striking a new balance in their side this season. They will be led by Ravichandran Ashwin in the 2018 edition of the tournament.

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