Cricketer turned commentator, Aakash Chopra has suggested some interesting changes in playing conditions of the IPL 2024. The ongoing season is about to end and only one team, i.e. Gujarat Titans have qualified for the playoffs. The league stage has reached its final weekend phase and four games are left. The likes of Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals are fighting for three playoff spots.
Meanwhile, ahead of the final weekend of the league stage, Chopra has come up with some interesting changes. Taking to Twitter, the right-hander suggested the introduction of bonus points. For the unversed, tri-nation series and Asia Cups have seen teams collecting extra points if they win by a significant margin. Chopra added that the final leg of the tournament must see two games played at the same time.
“There are two changes that I’d propose for next season’s IPL 1. Introduction of the Bonus Points for winning a game with a huge margin. NRR is absolute but over 14 games is a tough math to understand. Bonus point is a tangible reward for playing significantly better. And also, keeps the interest alive for longer. 2. Provision of starting the games in the final leg at the same time. Today, LSG has the advantage of knowing the exact math to go over CSK on NRR…because CSK plays first. Same for tomorrow depending on today’s results. Thoughts welcome,” Aakash Chopra wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, the fans are divided over the matter.
The provision of starting two games at the same time ain't work. Cricket viewers are very different from football viewers. Also, neutral viewers like me will need to watch one game on a laptop and one on TV.
— Anubhav shahi 48 ?????????? (@anubhavnahinhai) May 20, 2023
Totally in agreement with you on the second point. But introduction of bonus point may enable teams with lesser number of wins to qualify for the playoffs.
— Aayush Mahajan (@CricGlance) May 20, 2023
Wonderful suggestions @cricketaakash.
The last match for each team should be played simultaneously. That would mean 5 matches being played at the same time (maybe a bit of revenue loss on TV advt), and no team getting an advantage. Similar to how FIFA World Cup last group…— Devroop Dhar (@DevroopD) May 20, 2023
1. remove impact player rule. If continued, we might not see all rounders after few years.
2. Measure waist height and player height to intersect these with ball tracking to maintain consistency.
3. Penalize batting team everytime non-striker leaves crease before ball is…— Trilok Reddy (@3lok_cricketfan) May 20, 2023
What will be definition of final leg? Will it be last 7 matches or last 4 matches?
Plus starting matches together cuts audiences which hurts revenues. Also matches are scheduled in advance.
Agree with suggestion but its implementation seems tough.
— Mostly Cricket (@BoliMocr) May 20, 2023
2nd point is easily the one to bring in from next season itself sir. Not saying just because being a CSK fan. Even if CSK had got such adv, it will be bad only. It shouldnt favour one side like this at the end phase when every team has a chance for a playoff chance.
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) May 20, 2023
Agree with both the points.
However, can we get away with this impact player concept, it’s unnecessary in my opinion.
— Prashanth (@YVPRASH) May 20, 2023
With the introduction of bonus point, we might see many collapses i guess. The small target chases in tricky pitches will prove vital. People might try to chase it quickly and end up being bundled and end short. Just like impact player rule, i think the bonus point will play in…
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) May 20, 2023
5 teams should qualify instead of 4.
— All About Cricket (@allaboutcric_) May 20, 2023
I broadly agree with you, but think a slightly tweaked version might work better. Have detailed it here –
"Lagta hai ke bonus point nahi hai, par hai!"https://t.co/qEVUGei41j
— Antariksh ? ???????? (@trixtalk) May 20, 2023
Talking about the last four games, the first game on May 20 (Saturday) will be played between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings. The Yellow Brigade’s win will solidify their playoff qualification but a loss will make them dependant on other teams. After this, Kolkata Knight Riders will host Lucknow Super Giant and the LSG, just like CSK would face the same scenarios.
The last two games will see Mumbai Indians host Sunrisers Hyderabad while Royal Challengers Bangalore will host Gujarat Titans. MI need to win and hope for RCB to lose while a win for RCB will ensure their playoff qualification ahead of MI.
