IPL 7: Match Can be Played if it Doesn't Rain for 2 hours, Says Pitch Curator Prabir Mukherjee

The Eden Gardens may be under ankle deep water thanks to the torrential rain lashing the city but curator Prabir Mukherjee is confident that the ground can be ready for on Tuesday's first IPL qualifier provided it doesn't pour any more.

 

"The wicket is in perfect condition, while the ground looks okay with a few damp patches here and there. The match can be played if it does not rain for two hours in the evening," Eden curator Prabir Mukherjee told PTI ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders match against Kings XI Punjab here. (Rain Threat Looms Large)

He said the fourth umpire had inspected the ground at 12.30pm but the match officials can only take a call following the inspection before the toss. (Kolkata Take on Punjab in Derby Clash)

There were three spells of rains till afternoon and the groundsmen were not able to remove the covers and carry out the damage control measures, especially around the damp zones.

"We are hoping for the rain to stop for two hours, which would be good enough to make it a five-over-a-side affair," Mukherjee said.

However, the fact that the whole field is under ankle deep water despite it being fully covered, is something to be worried about.

The weather forecast can dampen the mood for the sell-out marquee clash as the low pressure formation is likely to advance towards Kolkata and gradually "weaken in next 48 hours".

As per the playing conditions, a minimum of five overs a side is required in case of a delay, while if the team batting second consumes more than five overs, a result is possible through Duckworth-Lewis method.

In the likely scenario of a washout today, the match will be played from 4pm tomorrow, the reserve day but a double washout would mean Kings XI Punjab would make the finals without a bowl being bowled as they are sitting at the top of the points table, while KKR are placed second.