IPL: Mullanpur stadium to host first two playoffs on May 29, 30

The Mullanpur cricket stadium will host the first two playoffs of the Indian Premier League on May 29 and 30, the BCCI announced today.

Earlier, Hyderabad and Kolkata were supposed to host the playoffs. The IPL schedule had to be revised in the wake of heightened tension between India and Pakistan that halted the event for a week.

During the opening phase of the IPL, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Cricket Stadium at Mullanpur had hosted four home matches of Punjab Kings. The other three home games were scheduled to be held at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. However, due to ‘war’-like situation, only one match was played at the venue.

The Mullanpur stadium was the venue of Punjab Kings matches against Rajasthan Royals (April 5), Chennai Super Kings (April 8), Kolkata Knight Riders (April 15) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 20). Out of the four matches, the side won two, against Chennai Super Kings by 18 runs and Kolkata Knight Riders by 16 runs. The side defended their lowest total successfully against Kolkata.

In its dream run with new players on board, the side is currently placed third with 17 points on the IPL points’ table. This year, Punjab Kings have already confirmed their playoff berth. It will be for the first time that the outfit will be playing their playoff game in front of the home crowd.

Last year, the newly constructed Mullanpur stadium had hosted five IPL matches.

“The new venues for the playoffs were decided by the IPL Governing Council keeping in mind the weather conditions and other parameters,” said the BCCI in a statement. “After 70 action-packed league-stage matches, the spotlight will shift to New Chandigarh as it gears up to host the much-awaited qualifier 1 featuring the top-two ranked sides on Thursday, followed by an engrossing eliminator clash on May 30,” said the BCCI.