IPL 2018: Eden Gardens Will Host Playoffs if Pune Fails to Host - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), has said Eden Gardens will host the Eliminator and the second Qualifier of IPL 2018 should Pune fail to be ready to host these two games.

BCCI, after IPL GC meeting, confirmed Pune as the host of the two games.

The board decided to continue the tradition of the runner-up team of IPL hosting these two games.

No decision was made on the matter when the board announced the fixtures of IPL and finally, the board confirmed Pune as the venue.

One of the major reasons for BCCI not announcing the venue for the two games was that Rising Pune Supergiant is not a part of IPL now.

The franchise, along with Gujarat Lions, replaced Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in IPL but had to make way when the two defunct franchises made a comeback.

This was the reason behind BCCI not allotting the game to Pune.

However, Maharashtra Cricket Association wrote to BCCI to allow games to RPS’s home ground, which made it clear the association wants to host the two contests.

Later, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and Saurashtra Cricket Association also wrote to BCCI to allow the two games for them to host.

Though, BCCI finally inked on Pune – keeping in the mind tradition that has been followed over the years. The upcoming season of IPL will kick off on April 7 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The final and first Qualifier will also be played at the same venue.

Mumbai Indians face Chennai Super Kings in IPL opener. Photo Credit: IPL/BCCI.

Before the start of the league, an opening ceremony will take place on April 7 at Wankhede Stadium before the start of the first game at 8 PM.

Earlier, Cricket Club of India was to host the opening ceremony, but the board decided to push the date and change the venue to save cost.

As per the reports, the board will save Rs 20 Crore in total.

However, this will see four captains missing the opening ceremony as their teams play their opening contest the very next day of the opening ceremony.

Here is the news feed –

Mitchell Santner ruled out of IPL 2018

Nepal granted ODI status