Lucknow: Rain has had a deep impact on the second phase of the ongoing UPT20 League, changing the course of the tournament. Now, once again, the league’s playoff matches and final will be held in Lucknow instead of Kanpur.Qualifier-1 and the Eliminator will be played on Sept 3, Qualifier-2 will be held on Sept 4, while the title clash of UPT20 League will be held on Sept 6 at Ekana Stadium.The fourth edition of the UPT20 League has remained in discussion from the beginning. In particular, the venue was changed twice. Initially, preparations were being made to hold the league in Kanpur, but due to weak infrastructure at Green Park Stadium, it was shifted from Kanpur to Lucknow.Later, it was said that the league would be organized in two cities—all the opening matches would be held in Lucknow, while some league matches of the second phase, the playoffs and the final would be kept in Kanpur.Under this plan, UPCA had allotted 22 matches to Lucknow and 12 matches to Kanpur. Of the Kanpur matches, 8 league matches and 4 playoff matches, including the final, had been scheduled.Of the 12 matches scheduled in Kanpur, only two could be completed. After that, one match was washed out by rain, another had to be reduced to 12 overs. Two matches could be completed while another could be played for only 5 overs. Monday’s match was also hit by rain.Ekana’s modern drainage system proved to be a relief for the UPT20 League. A total of 22 matches of UPT20 League Season 4 were played in Lucknow, in which overs had to be reduced in five matches.UP T-20 League governing council chairperson Sanjay Kapoor told TOI that the quality of matches was most important for league management, and players’ interests.“Due to continuous rain in Kanpur, it has become challenging to complete matches, affecting the standard of play and the players’ performance. In such a situation, it is necessary that in important and decisive matches like the playoffs, all teams get a fair opportunity to play the full 20 overs,” he said.He said that a study of weather forecast for the coming days indicated that continuous rain might occur in Kanpur, due to which playoffs and final match were shifted to Lucknow. Kapoor said that the decision was not taken to benefit or disadvantage any one team, but keeping in mind the fairness of the game and in the interest of players.“Due to continuous rain, the risk of players getting injured because of the wet outfield was also there. Repeated disruptions due to weather and completion of matches in shortened formats late at night increase physical and mental pressure on players,” he said.Chief curator, Ekana Stadium, Sanjeev Agarwal said, “Ekana Stadium’s outfield has been prepared to the highest standards and is supported by a herringbone drainage system. We are fully prepared for the playoffs and the ground staff is on complete alert. Even in the event of heavy rain, we can get the ground ready for play within 45 minutes after the rain stops.”“Last year, we successfully hosted 127 matches in 365 days, including domestic, IPL and international fixtures. If the ground is maintained properly, there is no issue in hosting matches throughout the year, in any season,” he said.“After the last IPL season, we used the available time for deep aeration and maintenance work. This helps improve water seepage and keeps both the outfield and the pitch in excellent condition,” Agarwal added.
