IPL 2018: SCA asks BCCI to reconsider decision of allowing Playoffs to Pune
Updated - 22 Mar 2018, 12:26 PM
Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It suggests the Board to re-think its decision of allotting the two playoffs games to Pune.
In a letter to the board, Madhukar S Worah, the Joint Secretary of the state association wrote, a report in ToI stated.
SCA at secretary Madhukar S Worah writes: “This is with reference to the media release today regarding changes in the schedule & Playoff venue announcement for the 2018 edition of the IPL. As per this release, Pune will host two playoff matches, i.e. the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 23 and 25 respectively.”
“We are indeed very surprised and fail to understand that the venue of SCA Stadium is totally ignored; in spite of (the fact that) during the last two seasons of the IPL, i.e. Season 09 and Season 10, the SCA Stadium has successfully hosted IPL matches,” he maintained.
BCCI confirmed the venue for the Eliminator and first Qualifier and allotted the two games to Pune.
The decision was taken following the tradition.
As per the tradition, the home ground of the runner-up team in the previous season is allotted the two games.
Also, the home ground of the winning team hosts opening game, final and one playoff contest.
This rule saw the iconic Wankhede Stadium being allotted the three crucial games. But BCCI did not announce the venues for the two playoffs on the first go.
The absence of Rising Pune Supergiant(s) from impending IPL was the reason behind BCCI waiting to take a decision.
In between, Saurashtra Cricket Association and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) wrote to BCCI to stage the two games there.
In the end, the board allocated the games to Pune only. The news was made official by the Board in an official release a couple of days back.
The decision of BCCI to allow the two games to Pune surprised SCA and the state association wrote to BCCI to look into the mater.
The board is not expected to change the venus for the two games as it has finalised the venue.
Also, Pune was the home ground of Rising Pune Supergiant and if the games are shifted, it can lead to changes in the rules in coming seasons.
In addition to that, this will probably be the last time when Pune will host an IPL game.
Moreover, no franchise has their home base based out of Pune.
The eleventh edition of IPL starts on April 7 with defending champions Mumbai Indians taking on Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The final of the tournament will also be played at the same venue on May 27.
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