PBKS-MI Clash Moved To Ahmedabad From Dharamshala

The clash between the Punjab Kings & the Mumbai Indians has been officially shifted to Ahmedabad from Dharamshala, the BCCI has confirmed the update.

A venue change was needed due to the closure of airports in Chandigarh. According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI has contacted the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) to know their views & it is believed that the GCA is ready to host the match.

The day, date & timing of the game between the two teams remains unchanged, both teams will play the match on 11th May as scheduled at 3:30 PM as per the original schedule.

It has been reported that the Mumbai Indians have been waiting for an update from the BCCI after the franchise canceled their travel to Dharamshala due to the closure of airports in Chandigarh. The MI Franchise is now set to travel to Ahmedabad on Thursday evening. The BCCI has asked the management to share the details regarding their travel by the evening

However, with the airports shut in Chandigarh, there is a big logistical challenge in front of the BCCI & the Punjab Kings. The Shreyas Iyer PBKS might be forced to take a 10-hour road journey to Delhi to get access to the other IPL venues.

One inevitable issue is the fallout of the shift in an operational issue - the branding on and around the ground. The Narendra Modi Stadium, being the home venue of the Gujarat Titans, it is covered with GT brands, hoardings, and posters. The designated hosts of this game the Punjab Kings will agree to play in that backdrop of the game. The GCA also stated that the Gujarat Titans need to be consulted regarding this.

The Titans have two home games - on May 14 (against Lucknow SuperGiants) and May 18 (against Chennai Super Kings) - in addition to an away fixture against Delhi Capitals on the night of May 11. Given the tight schedule, rebranding such a large venue in time poses a major operational challenge for all involved, but it could well be an unavoidable requirement.