IPL final is here to stay, confirms TNCA official

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The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has put an end to all speculation in regard to the Indian Premier League (IPL) eliminator (May 25) and final (May 27) being pulled out of Chennai (MAC Stadium).

Chennai earned the right to host the two play-off matches on account of being the defending champions.

Sections of the media had reported on the two marque matches being shifted to some other venue as the three stands (G, H and I) have been under lock and seal for almost a year.

The TNCA is still awaiting clearance for want of building approval from concerned authorities.

Each of the three stands (new) with a holding capacity of 4,000 seats each has remained unoccupied since the Champions League T20 and subsequent one-day international between India and West Indies in November.

“We are not aware of any development in this regard. The state association has not received any official communication from the BCCI and there will be no change in venue for both the play-off matches schedule to be held at Chepauk,” said Kasi Viswanathan, Honorary Secretary, TNCA.

Most venues have attracted capacity crowds this year and Chennai has also drawn good response with a majority of the seats taken in the remaining stands.

According to PTI an unnamed official of the BCCI was quoted as saying: We have witnessed amazing response at all the venues of this year’s IPL.

It will be a pity if the final is played in front of a half-empty stadium. Therefore, the possibility of shifting the matches from Chennai is being explored.”

The BCCI was only surprised. “I don’t know who from the board is contemplating a change in venue. There is no change whatsoever,” confirmed Ratnakar Shetty, CAO, BCCI.

The no objection certificate has to be obtained from the CMDA for the Chennai Corporation to release the lock and seal.

Officials from TNCA are hopeful of the three stands gaining the go ahead before the final. Chepauk played host to the CL T20 final as well as Chennai Super Kings were the defending champions of the event.

Barring the 2010 IPL where Mumbai won a bid to host the final, the IPL rules clearly state that the first right of refusal to host the inaugural match and final rests with the defending champions.