IPL 2019 | IPL play-offs to be preponed to 7:30 pm from May 7

The Board of Control for Cricket in India have decided that the timings of IPL play-offs beginning May 7 are likely to be preponed by 30 minutes. The Indian governing body took the precautionary measure to ensure the knockout stage matches don't stretch past midnight as they did on a couple of occasions last year.

"We have spoken to the broadcasters and most likely, the playoffs will have a 7.30 PM start instead of 8 PM," a BCCI official said today’s CoA meeting.

Earlier, former England captain Michael Vaughan slammed overrate of teams in the competition. This year, four IPL captains namely - Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli - have all been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate.

In the last edition of the Indian competition, the playoffs had a start time of 7 pm. The first qualifier of this year’s tournament will be played in Chennai on May 7. The Eliminator followed by the second Qualifier will be played in Vizag on May 8 and 10. This year's final will be held in Hyderabad on May 12.