The Qualifier 2 match of the Indian Premier League between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings faced significant delays due to rain in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening. The game was set to begin at the Narendra Modi Stadium just after the toss, where Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opted to field first, encouraged by the return of Yuzvendra Chahal to their bowling lineup.
Initially, forecasts predicted dry weather, fueling hopes for a smooth match. However, those expectations were thwarted by three interruptions even before the first delivery was bowled. The excitement in the stadium, amplified by pyrotechnics as Iyer led his team out, shifted to disappointment when a sudden heavy downpour forced all players and officials to return indoors.
Television footage captured the scenes of chaos, highlighting Mumbai’s Tilak Varma engaging in shadow practice near the dugout just before the groundsmen hurriedly covered the field. Despite a brief respite, heavier rain followed, raising anxiety particularly for the Mumbai Indians, as a washout would mean their elimination from the tournament, with no reserve day scheduled for the match.
Fans took to social media to voice their frustrations over the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for relocating the playoff venues amidst ongoing rain in Ahmedabad, while other locations remained unaffected. The BCCI made the decision to shift matches from Kolkata and Hyderabad to Ahmedabad due to anticipated southwest monsoon rains. However, critics noted that Ahmedabad has also faced intermittent showers, raising questions about the decision.
In case of a washout, Punjab Kings would automatically advance to the final due to their higher ranking in the points table, finishing first while Mumbai Indians were placed fourth. As outlined in the IPL’s Playing Conditions, if the match cannot reach a conclusion, the team ranked higher will be declared the winner.
Despite the rain challenges, the tournament continues with anticipation for clearer skies and an exciting finish to the season.