IPL 2018

IPL GC proposes change in daily match timings

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

"The broadcaster has requested for a change in timings." © BCCI

Come April 7, IPL will literally take over Indian television - with matches being shown on multiple channels - as well as digital space. However, the upcoming edition will see a huge change.

The IPL governing council decided on Monday to advance the evening games from 8 pm to 7 pm. Besides, the first of the double-headers has been postponed from 4 pm to 5.30 pm, which will lead to an overlap between the two matches. Speaking to reporters after the IPL GC meeting, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that the GC had taken this decision after consulting the broadcaster.

"The broadcaster has requested for a change in timings. By and large the GC has accepted it. It gets too late in the night if the game starts at 8 pm," Shukla said.

"As far as the double headers on weekends are concerned, the 4 pm game will now be played at 5.30 pm. There will be an overlap but the broadcaster says it has enough channels to show the games simultaneously," he said.

The BCCI is hoping to draw more fans inside the stadium, as well as in front of TV and internet, with 5.30 pm start. It was also announced that the IPL 2018 opening ceremony will be held in Mumbai on April 6 while the first game of the season will be played on April 7 in Mumbai. The defending champions' venue, Mumbai, will also host the final on May 27.

The IPL GC also confirmed that Kings XI Punjab will host four of their home matches in Mohali and the rest in Indore. Jaipur or Pune could be the venues for Rajasthan Royals, who are returning to the league from a two-year suspension. "The matter is in the court, which will most likely decide on the venue issue on Wednesday (January 24). We are waiting for that. Preference will be given to Jaipur if the stadium is ready and the court clears RCA's status. If that doesn't happen, Pune will be the venue," Shukla said.

© TNN