Picture Credit: Twitter
The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is now entering the knockout stages with the last four teams decided. Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore are the four teams to have qualified for the playoffs. Although the last league game of the season is still left, the countdown for the knockout stages has already begun.
The first qualifier of the season, Qualifier 1 will be played between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The teams have already landed in the city and have started their preparations. However, the weather has not been so kind in the last few days in Kolkata.
It’s raining cats and dogs in the city with heavy thunderstorms. This has also affected the preparations at Eden Gardens for Qualifier 1. The heavy rains and thunderstorms have caused massive damage to the Eden Gardens’ property including the press box. In pictures going viral on the internet, shattered glasses can be seen on the floor of Eden Gardens’ press box.
Clouds of uncertainty over playoffs?
The sudden change in weather conditions of Kolkata has sent a sign of danger to the BCCI and IPL organizers. With two important matches set to take place in the city, the fans look worried about the situation there. The weather forecast shows heavy rain and thunderstorms to continue for the next three to four days.
This means that Qualifier 1 and Eliminator, scheduled to take place on May 24 and 25 respectively, remain under serious threat. If the situation doesn’t improve, the BCCI may be forced to look for alternatives to organize these two games. Although there are rules in place, if the situation does not permit a single ball to be bowled, it will be problematic for teams.
What happens if a playoff game is washed out?
The rulebook suggests that if the conditions don't permit for even a single ball bowled, the team that finished higher in the points table is declared the winner. "In the event that it is not possible to start the Super Over....the team that finished highest in the league table after the 56 matches of the regular season shall be declared the winner of the relevant play-off match or final", states the IPL guidelines.