Pune: The Indian Premier League (IPL) governing council has decided to award Pune with two play-off matches in the 11th edition of the tournament, beginning April 5.
The two matches will be the Eliminator and second Qualifier and will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje on May 23 and 25 respectively.
The move came after MCA requested to host play-off games in the upcoming IPL.
Talking about the same after a governing council meeting on Friday, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said that if the stadium and the wicket is ready then they would allot the two of this season's play-offs to Pune.
"For the play-off, there was a suggestion that since Rising Pune Supergiant (now defunct) were the runners-up last time, we should give first priority to Pune," ESPNcricinfo quoted Shukla, as saying.
Shukla, however, said that if the stadium was not ready in time for the IPL play-offs, then they would consider Kolkata for the same.
"If the stadium and the wicket is ready, the first priority would be given to Pune, if not, then we will consider Kolkata for the playoffs," ESPNcricinfo quoted Shukla, as saying.
However, it should be noted that Rising Pune Supergiant, who lost last season's final clash against Mumbai Indians, are no longer part of the IPL.
