IPL 2018: Playoff matches can be shifted to Lucknow from Pune

Pune was scheduled to host 2 playoff matches on 23rd May and 25th May. Pune got the opportunity to host 7 IPL games, as CSK’s home matches were shifted from Chennai. BCCI decided to move out matches from Chennai due to the tensions in the city which were caused by Cauvery water dispute.

Pune set to lose playoff matches

The franchise opted to play their home matches in Pune, as their captain MS Dhoni has the experience of leading a team on that ground. He was the captain of Pune Supergiants in last 2 editions and in this stadium was their home ground.

Now, BCCI is considering to shift playoff matches from Pune to Lucknow. A BCCI official said that capacity of Lucknow stadium is a huge factor in the decision. He also clarified that they are yet to finalize the venue, and revealed that Kolkata and Rajkot are also in the running.

“What works in Lucknow’s favour is the huge crowd capacity (around 50,000) of the stadium in that city. However, we haven’t finalized this yet. Rajkot and Kolkata are also in the running. We’ll send an (IMG) team to Lucknow on Tuesday, and should be able to take a call later that day.”The BCCI official said as quoted by the cricket country

Reasons to consider Lucknow

There were reports that some IPL matches will be played in the city this season. Earlier in 2016,  Apple CEO Tim Cook was seen watching an IPL match in the city.  This speaks volumes about the city’s public appeal, which can be a major factor behind the decision to award the hosting rights.

Rajkot are one of the contenders to host the playoffs. BCCI secretary, Niranjan Shah, who is a member of the Saurashtra Cricket Associated(SCA) has expressed his desire to host the playoff matches in Rajkot. The city was the home ground of Gujrat Lions who participated in the 9th and 10th season of the IPL.

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