IPL Playoffs Set to Kick Off at Mullanpur Stadium with Top Teams Arriving
IPL Playoffs Arrival in Mullanpur
The city is buzzing as three of the top four teams prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs, which are set to take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on May 29 and 30.
The Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians arrived in the city this evening, while the Gujarat Titans held a practice session at the venue earlier today. Among the four competing teams, Gujarat and Mumbai will kick off the season's first match in Mullanpur, with Bangalore having secured one victory and Punjab two out of their four home games here.
Match Schedule and Venue Changes
The stadium is set to host Qualifier 1, featuring Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 29, followed by the Eliminator match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians on May 30. The final and Qualifier 2 will take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The IPL Governing Council made the decision to change venues based on weather forecasts and other considerations.
First Playoffs at the New Stadium
This marks the inaugural playoffs at the PCA's new stadium, which previously hosted four league stage matches for Punjab against teams like Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.
An Emotional Homecoming for Shubhman Gill
In a heartfelt moment, Gujarat's players, led by local hero Shubhman Gill, practiced on Tuesday. This will be Gill's first match at his home ground since being appointed captain of the Indian Test team. He received a warm reception from officials, groundsmen, and technical staff who have witnessed his journey from a hopeful young player to a leader of the Indian cricket team.
Sources indicate that the PCA will honor Gill for being the third cricketer from the state to take on the role of regular skipper for the Indian Test team. A groundsman reflected on Gill's growth, stating, 'It's been rewarding to see him develop over the years. I've been here for two decades and remember when he was just a young talent aiming for success.'
Weather Concerns Ahead
There are concerns about rain potentially impacting the two scheduled matches at Mullanpur. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), both days are expected to have a cloudy sky with possible rain or thundershowers. Fortunately, the Mullanpur stadium is equipped with a herringbone drainage system, allowing matches to resume within 30 minutes even after heavy rainfall.