Chennai is set to host its first Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 12 years after Chepauk Stadium was selected as the venue for this year’s title match on May 26.
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, commonly known as the Chepauk, is home to the competition’s defending champions the Chennai Super Kings and has hosted the final twice before in 2011 and 2012.
The venue will also host the second qualifier match on May 24, with the first qualifier on May 21 and the eliminator on May 22 both scheduled to take place at the 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Chennai was awarded the final due to its triumph last year. Established tradition in the IPL sees the title holder host the first and last game of the tournament.
This season got underway on March 22 as the Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets at the Chepauk.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision while factoring in the polling dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from April 19 to June 1 nationwide.
“The remainder of the schedule has been drawn up, factoring in the polling dates and venues for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections across the country,” said BCCI honorary secretary Jay Shah.
Voting in Tamil Nadu, the state in which Chennai is situated, will be completed on April 19 for its 39 Lok Sabha seats in the first phase of elections.
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium was established in 1916, making it the second oldest cricket stadium in India after Kolkata’s Eden Gardens built in 1864.
