Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium was the venue for the Indian Premier League finals as Chennai Super Kings is the rightful host since they won last year’s IPL. The IPLeague management along with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to shift the venue from Chennai to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Sunrisers Hyderabad was the runner-up last year as they lost the final to Chennai Super Kings. The Chennai stadium has hosted four games so far in this season with their stands closed. However, BCCI and the IPL management were concerned about the bad optics the vacant stands will present on Television for fans watching from all over the world.
The Chennai corporation closed down three stands as there were differences when the stadium was renovated during 2011 World Cup. Chennai corporation closed down I,J and K stands in 2012 adding up to 12,000 seats. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association hosted only one match since then when India played Pakistan in December 2012.
If Chennai Super Kings reaches IPL finals, MS Dhoni fans in Chennai would not be able to watch their favorite team and players play live in front of them.
Chennai Super Kings are currently sitting at number two on the points table. They were table toppers for a long time till yesterday but was debunked by Delhi Capitals after they defeated Rajasthan Royals. Chennai will play Sunrisers Hyderabad today and if they manage another win they will take their spot back. Chennai is looking good to go into the finals and if everything goes well they will become the most successful team in the IPL with four titles.
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