IPL: Confusion over venue of Punjab Kings’ home match

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, February 22

Confusion prevailed on whether Punjab Kings will have their IPL home matches at Mohali or Mullanpur after the BCCI announced the first phase schedule for the event.

Sources at Kings’ franchisee maintained that all matches will be held at the new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh), official websites scheduled the opening match between Kings and Delhi Capitals at IS Bindra PCA Stadium, Mohali.

As per the IPL website, the opening match will be held at the IS Bindra Stadium on March 23 (3.30 pm).The website of Punjab Kings confirmed the same.

However, a source in the Kings’team said, “All matches, including the opening match, will be held at Mullanpur. The franchisee is working on finalising one or two things. It will be decided soon.”

“We are yet to receive anything official on this (venue). We are ready to host the event at any of the two venues,” said a PCA official. It was further claimed that the new facility might host some matches in the second phase of the tournament.

The BCCI announced the schedule for the first two weeks of the IPL to commence from March 22. During the two-week period, 21 matches will be played across 10 cities, with each team playing a minimum of three matches and a maximum of five. The Mullanpur stadium, which remained under construction for more than 10 years, is yet to witness its first important event.

As per the schedule, the IS Bindra Stadium will host only one match as of now.

“Once the dates for the Lok Sabha elections are announced, the board will review and address any issues pertaining to the schedule of the first two weeks. Subsequently, the BCCI will work in tandem with local authorities to finalise the schedule for the rest of the season, taking into account the polling dates,” stated a BCCI communiqué.