IPL Final: The IPL 2023 Final has been hit by the rain and plenty of time has been lost from the game due to the weather gods not having mercy.
The IPL 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad was initially scheduled to be played on Sunday, May 28. However, not even the toss or a single ball was possible as the rain didn’t relent and poured down heavily.
The match moved into the Reserve day, Monday, May 29. The toss happened on time and the first innings w as completed without any interruption. However, as the CSK openers, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway, were about the enter the field of play, the rain gods opened up and a passing shower came by.
After a brief break, play resumed, but then only 3 balls had been bowled that it began pouring down heavily. It was soon raining cats and dogs at the stadium in Ahmedabad and a long delay was inevitable with such heavy lashing of rain.
Even after the rain had stopped, it took a long time for the ground to be ready. This was because the outfield was too wet for play to happen, and it still wasn’t considered safe by the umpires for players to run and field on it. Hence, the delay was lengthened.
A few fans even suggested that play be called off altogether because of the heavily drained outfield and it could be dangerous for the players.
IPL Final 2023 : What is the rule? Can umpires suspend play for wet outfield?
Yes, it the umpires feel that the outfield is too and is dangerous for players to field on it, they can suspend the match even if rain had stopped much before.
This has happened a few times in international cricket where even if the rain had stopped hours ago, no more play was possible because of the outfield being too wet so as the umpires deem it “dangerous” for the fielders.
Laws of Cricket
2.8 Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable circumstances
2.8.1 All references to ground include the pitch. See Law 6.1 (Area of pitch).
2.8.2 The Umpires shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence, if either umpire considers that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are either dangerous or unreasonable.
2.8.3 When there is a suspension of play it is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor conditions. They shall make inspections as often as appropriate, unaccompanied by any players or officials. Immediately the umpires together agree that the conditions are no longer dangerous or unreasonable they shall call upon the players to resume play.
