IPL 2019: Final Moved from Chennai, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad to Host
Apr 22, 2019 at 6:30 PM
The Vivo IPL 12 final has been moved from the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and will now be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 12. The decision was taken unanimously after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) was barred from the opening stand in I, J and K block. In the last few years, we have seen some empty stands in Chepauk which has resulted in a fewer crowd for all the matches.
Generally, the final of the IPL is held in the city which generally wins the previous edition of the tournament. However, the BCCI has failed some challenges even in the previous editions. There have been few changes in the venue for the playoffs. As per the new schedule, Chennai will now host the Qualifier 1 while Vizag has been asked to host Eliminator and Qualifier 2.
The playoffs are generally hosted in the cities which were the winners and runners-up of the previous edition. However, as BCCI faced certain challenges they had to bring in Vizag as the alternate venue. Meanwhile, Chennai will now host the Qualifier 1.
Hyderabad was earlier slated to host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2. However, due to the local elections which is slated for May 6, 10 and 14 means, the police won’t be able to provide sufficient security for the matches. Vizag who was kept as the backup option will now host the Eliminator on May 8 and the Qualifier 2 on May 10.
Chennai Super Kings has been playing some exceptional cricket in Vivo IPL 12 so far. However, they have suffered a hiccup after losing a couple of matches on a trot. Skipper MS Dhoni has looked in ominous touch and took their side within touching distance of the victory target. However, they eventually lost by a solitary run. Despite the defeat, CSK is still at the top of the points table with 7 wins from 10 matches.