IPL 2024 Playoffs: What happens if it rains?

As the IPL 2024 playoffs approach, cricket fans are excited but also wary of possible weather interruptions. With crucial matches on the line, it’s important to know what happens if rain plays spoilsport.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the IPL 2024 rain rules and contingency plans for the playoffs.

Playoff Schedule and Venues:

The IPL 2024 playoffs feature four matches:

• Qualifier 1: May 21, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Eliminator: May 22, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Qualifier 2: May 24, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Final: May 26, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Weather Forecast:

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Ahmedabad is expected to have clear skies and heatwave conditions over the playoff period.

Chennai, however, could see rain and thunderstorms leading up to the matches, with clearer weather predicted from May 24 to May 26.

Reserve Day Rules:

For the first time, IPL 2024 has introduced reserve days for all four playoff matches. If weather disrupts play, the match will resume or be replayed the following day.

Here are the key points:

• Minimum Overs: A minimum of 5 overs per side is required to constitute a match.
• DLS Method: If the match is shortened, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method will be used to calculate the target score.
• Super Over: If a match ends in a tie, a Super Over will determine the winner. If conditions prevent a Super Over, the team higher in the league standings progresses.

Extra Time:

An additional 120 minutes are allocated to complete a match on its scheduled day. Matches can start as late as 9:40 PM without reducing the number of overs.

Scenarios If Matches Are Washed Out:

These are the likely scenarios if the reserve day is also affected by rain:

• Qualifier 1: If washed out, the team that finished first in the league table (KKR) advances directly to the final. The second-placed team (SRH) moves to Qualifier 2.
• Eliminator: If washed out, the third-placed team (RR) moves to Qualifier 2.
• Qualifier 2: If washed out, the loser of Qualifier 1 progresses to the final.
• Final: If the final is washed out, the team that topped the league table (KKR) is declared the winner.

Let’s hope for clear skies and thrilling matches as the playoffs unfold.