All IPL playoff matches to start at 7.30 PM IST

In the 2018 edition, the play-offs had a 7 PM start.

“We have spoken to the broadcasters and most likely, the play-offs will have a 7.30 PM start instead of 8 PM,” a BCCI official told PTI after a CoA meeting on Saturday.

Games going beyond midnight has attracted criticism from fans with experts like former England captain Michael Vaughan slamming the over rate of teams in the competition.

Four captains including Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin and Virat Kohli have been fined Rs 12 lakh each for maintaining a slow over rate.

As per IPL’s playing conditions, each innings is to last 90 minutes – which includes the two strategic timeouts – with a 20-minute break between innings. At a total, matches should end by 11.20 PM IST but some matches have reached the midnight mark with some going beyond it.

Multiple members in the cricket community have suggested solutions for the slow over rate with the monetary fines not cutting it. “Simple solution, forget monetary fines, deduct from teams net run rate. Works in the CPL, players quickly recognise the value of NRR when it comes to qualifying for playoffs!” tweeted Tom Moody.

CSK coach Stephen Fleming said, “It’s too slow. I think it’s got to be a collective shift from everybody – players as well as on-field monitoring. I think there’s a little bit of broadcasting [at play] as well, there are times when you’re waiting to come back. So collectively, the whole thing could be sped up.”

“The moisture [because of dew] does play a part. We’ve had a couple of games which have been very dewy. Wiping the ball is a consideration. But I think cricket in general is played at a pace below where it needs to be. So I’d love to see all forms of the game increase the pace, even if it puts pressure on captains and bowlers, then so be it.”

“Well, how do you do that? You manage a little bit more strictly on the field and also ask captains and bowlers to be a little bit surer of their plans. I think we are reaching up close to four hours, defeating the purpose of the short game,” he concluded.

Qualifier 1 will be played in Chennai on May 7, Eliminator and Qualifier 2 in Vizag on May 8 and 10 while the final will be held in Hyderabad on May 12.