IPL 2018 play-offs, final set for early start

The play-offs and final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 could have an early start. Instead of the usual timings, the four games are likely to begin at 7 pm.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has decided to tweak the timings of play-offs and final match of the ongoing 11th edition of the tournament. (IPL 2018 FULL COVERAGE)

The IPL 2018 play-offs will commence from May 22 and the final will be played on May 27. (BCCI)

Confirming the news, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the playoffs and summit showdown will now begin at 7 pm instead of the usual time of 8 pm.

It should be noted that all the matches have been starting at 8 pm since the beginning of the tournament.

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With the development, the games would now conclude at around 10:30 pm instead of 11:30 pm.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s International Stadium in Pune was scheduled to host the playoffs, but since it became the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) home ground, the IPL governing council decided the shift the matches to Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.

The Qualifier 1 and finals will go ahead as scheduled at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on May 22 and May 27 respectively.