The IPL governing council has thought over the concerns of the fans of Maharashtra and as a result of that, they have scheduled the eliminator and the second qualifier matches of the upcoming IPL 2018 to the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s Pune stadium.

Pune’s MCA stadium will host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 23 and May 25 respectively. MCA president Abhay Apte had officially requested for the matches in a letter to IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla in February this year.

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As reported in Sportstar, Apte said, “We are thankful to them. I had mentioned in the letter that being runners-up — as Rising Pune Supergiant (now defunct) — last season, we should be getting these two games. Though there is no team, the venue is there; along with the fans who have been supporting IPL. The stadium is on the expressway, which is two hours from Mumbai, which I feel will be convenient as the final is there on May 27.”

He further added, “Since we have played an IPL final, a fan base has been created. People have been enquiring if we would host a match. They were restless. Now, they will get to see the best of the games from the four top teams.”

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One thing is for sure, that MS Dhoni and Steve Smith along with some other players of Rising Pune Supergiants will have the home crowd like support if either of their respective teams – Chennai Super Kings or Rajasthan Royals make it into the playoffs.

Apte concluded by stating the reasons behind Pune getting to hosts the matches, he said, “The views will be independent too; unless there are matches of that magnitude in the stadium, the interest doesn’t get generated and we have a facility which should be utilized. I mentioned all of it in the letter.”