IPL 2019: Gale Blows Away Part Of Canopy In IPL 2019 Final Venue

There is something weird about the final of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and its venue. The final was initially set to be held in Chennai. As per the norms, the final is being hosted by the defending champions. Consequently, Chennai had the right to host the Eliminator and Final being the defending champions. However, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association’s (TNCA) failure to resolve the issue of three stands in the stadium cost the city big. The BCCI, on Monday, shifted the game to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

And now Hyderabad’s happiness has taken a blow as a strong gale force blew away a major portion of the canopy at the South End (Pavilion side) of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium late on Monday evening.

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“We have communicated to both the installing agency and the Insurance Company about this unfortunate development. Luckily, it is completely insured. They have sent their respective teams today to study the damage and also what best can be done before the next IPL games,” Panduranga Murthy, CEO of HCA, told Sportstar.

“Well, the teams have assessed the amount of damage and the remedial measures which can be taken immediately. A report by both the agencies is expected any time and based on that we should proceed further,” he added.

The report in the news outlet further claimed that another worry for the HCA is that the fabric material used for the canopy when it was installed in 2011 (the stability certificate was issued by IIT Roorkee) had been imported from Australia. The issue is whether to go for the same or look for another option to avoid delay.

However, Murthy said that the absence of canopy will not hurt the immediate upcoming game as well as the final.

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“I don’t think canopy should be a major issue in HCA hosting the next match on April 29 (Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kings XI Punjab) or the final on May 12 as luckily both are 8 pm games,” the CEO said.

Coming to the points table, Delhi Capitals are at the top with seven wins from eleven games. Chennai Super Kings,  Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad complete the top four.