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The scheduling of IPL playoff matches this year will be influenced by weekly weather forecasts, the BCCI sources told CricBlogger. Hyderabad was initially slated to host the first two playoff games, followed by Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. However, due to concerns over potential rain, the board is now reconsidering those venues.
Mumbai and Ahmedabad have emerged as frontrunners, with Delhi also under consideration — provided there’s no significant monsoon threat in the national capital during that period (first week of June). Sources added that the final allocation of playoff venues typically follows a rotational policy based on the previous season’s champions and runners-up.
Already, there is considerable jostling within the BCCI as multiple associations lobby to host the high-stakes playoff matches. With weather uncertainty playing a bigger role this year, several state units are making a strong pitch to bring the games to their home grounds, further intensifying the competition behind the scenes.
Earlier, it was also thought within the BCCI to avoid scheduling IPL matches near border regions, following concerns raised by some foreign cricketers. Security considerations and logistical challenges in sensitive zones influenced this internal discussion, adding another layer to the venue selection process.
