IPL 2022 Play-off: 70 league stage matches are done and dusted and we have our top four teams for the playoffs: table-toppers Gujarat Titans, second-placed the rampant Rajasthan Royals, followed by the formidable Lucknow Super Giants at the third position and the mercurial Royal Challengers Bangalore were the last to sneak in at the fourth position.
The first playoff match, Qualifier 1, between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals, will take place on May 24 at the Eden Gardens, and Eliminator, between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, on May 25 at the same venue.
However, to the dismay and frustrations of the fans, both the games are under the threat of being washed out due to rain!
First up, the weather report for the GT-RR encounter suggests for “scattered thunderstorms are forecast with humidity up to 68%” in Kolkata.
The rules of the IPL say that in the condition of a rain disruption to the extent of no play being possible in regulation time, the winner will be determined via a super over – meaning that if the entire 20-20 game doesn’t happen – not even a 5-over per side contest- then, only if weather permissible, a super over will take place.
And if even a super over is not possible, then the league standing will be factored in – Gujarat will then go through to the final with Rajasthan forced to play in the Qualifier 2; and if the LSG-RCB game is also completely washed out, then LSG will go through to the Qualifier 2, knocking out RCB!
The same rules apply for the Qualifier 2 and the final as well, both of which will be held in Ahmedabad.
However, knowing the importance of the playoffs, the BCCI had already added an extra two hours to the playoff games, which are starting at 8 PM. There is a reserve day only for the final.
The IPL playing conditions for playoff and Final read:
“Below is a summary of the implications of any of the IPL 2022 playoff matches being interrupted by rain or other reason:
“Extra time of 120 minutes is available for each playoff match. A playoff match can start on the original day as late as 9.40pm without the number of overs being reduced (10 minute interval, time-outs retained). The Final match can start on the original day as late as 10.10pm without the number of overs being reduced (10 minute interval, time-outs retained).
It’s slightly cloudy but no rain in Kolkata as of now for today.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 25, 2022
“The number of overs in the playoff match may, if necessary, be reduced so that each side has the opportunity to bat for 5 overs. The latest that a five overs per side match can start is 11.56pm (10 minute interval, no timeouts) – with a scheduled finish of 12.50pm. The cut off time for the Final will be 12.26 am for 5 overs per side game.
“If the Final has started (at least one ball bowled) but not finished on the original day, it will be completed on the reserve day. The match will resume at the point where it stopped on the previous day.
“For the Eliminator and each Qualifier playoff matches (where there is no reserve day), in the event that it is not possible to schedule a 5 over match to complete by the end of the extra time on the original day, the teams will, if conditions permit, play a Super Over to determine the winner of the relevant Eliminator or Qualifier match. This means that the pitch and ground must be ready for play so that the Super Over can start at the latest by 12.50am.”
“In the event that it is not possible to start the Super Over or to then complete the Super Over without interruption, the team that finished highest in the league table after the 70 matches of the regular season shall be declared the winner of the relevant playoff match or final.”
