Intermittent Rain Expected to Impact IPL 2023 Final in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, the host city for the IPL 2023 final between defending champions Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, woke up to a bright and sunny day on Monday, which was supposed to be the reserve day for the much-anticipated match. However, the local meteorological department and newspapers predicted intermittent rain showers between 4 PM and 10 PM, raising concerns about the completion of the final.
The outfield at the Narendra Modi Stadium had suffered from the heavy thunderstorm that lashed the city for four hours on Sunday evening. Despite the dry weather since 10:45 PM on Sunday, there were concerns about the readiness of the ground for a potential five-over contest. The match officials decided that a fresh final would be the best-case scenario for both teams, considering the potential risks of injuries due to the amount of water that had seeped underneath the surface.
The playing conditions for the final remained the same as they were on Sunday night. The cut-off time for a full match to take place was set at 9:35 PM, while officials had the option to wait until 12:06 AM to start a five-over-a-side match. Additionally, a Super Over shootout could be employed if necessary. In the event that no play was possible at all, last year’s IPL playing conditions stipulated that the team finishing higher on the points table during the league stage, in this case, the Gujarat Titans, would be declared the champions.
To ensure efficient drainage, the Narendra Modi Stadium was equipped with modern standards and machinery. The ground staff had undergone rigorous training to maximize ground coverage in the shortest possible time. During Sunday night’s brief 20-minute window when it seemed like the game might start, the ground staff had managed to address the issues caused by puddles and water seepage near the square. Their swift actions had impressed the spectators who witnessed their dedication firsthand.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the weather conditions, fans remained enthusiastic about the prospect of a full game. The organizers expected another packed stadium, but the situation led to exorbitant hotel prices and inflated airfares out of Ahmedabad. All direct flights from Ahmedabad to Chennai for Tuesday were sold out, with connecting flights priced at INR 28,000, significantly higher than the average INR 5,000 fare. Several Chennai Super Kings players, particularly overseas players, had to reschedule their flights for a later departure on Tuesday due to the unpredictable weather.
Hundreds of eager fans gathered outside the stadium, hoping to secure tickets. Meanwhile, others who were unable to cancel their Monday departures tried to sell their tickets to those who were still in the city. This led to chaotic scenes with heavy police presence along the water-logged streets outside the ground. The situation mirrored the events of late Sunday night when thousands of fans were forced to wade through ankle-deep waters for at least 3 kilometers before finding public transportation, as the Ahmedabad Metro was already operating at full capacity.
To ensure a smoother experience for fans on Monday night, the local authorities instructed feeder buses and implemented improved entry procedures. Additionally, arrangements were made for fans to pick up their physical tickets at multiple locations in the city, reducing the need for long queues and congestion outside the venue. These measures aimed to alleviate the challenges faced by spectators and enable authorities to prepare the venue in time for the rescheduled match on Monday.
As the day progressed, all eyes remained on the weather forecast, hoping for a break in the rain to allow the IPL 2023 final to reach its thrilling conclusion. The players, officials, and fans eagerly awaited updates, ready to witness the crowning of the IPL champions. The excitement and anticipation were palpable, even in the face of uncertain weather conditions. Only time would tell if the rain gods would show mercy and provide a window of opportunity for the grand finale of the IPL 2023.
