Play-offs likely to start at 7.30 pm

The timings of IPL play-offs beginning May 7 are likely to be advanced by 30 minutes to ensure matches don't stretch past midnight, as seen in a few games this season.

"We have spoken to the broadcasters and most likely, the play-offs will have a 7.30 pm start instead of 8 pm," a BCCI official told PTI after a CoA meeting here on Saturday.

Games going beyond midnight has attracted criticism from fans while experts like former England captain Michael Vaughan have slammed over-rate of teams in the competition.

Four captains including Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have been fined Rs 12 lakh each for maintaining a slow over-rate.

In the 2018 edition, the play-offs had a 7 pm start.

Qualifier 1 will be played in Chennai on May 7, Eliminator and Qualifier 2 in Vishakapatnam on May 8 and 10 while the final will be held in Hyderabad on May 12.