Acceding to a request from International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Premier League has decided to advance the March 13 tie between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals by one hour to provide a clear window for the hockey World Cup final.
"It's a matter of pride for all of us in the BCCI and IPL that India is hosting the World Cup. To give a clear window for the March 13 final (in New Delhi) we will start the IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals (at Mumbai) at 3 pm instead of 4 pm," IPL Chief Lalit Modi announced in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Modi's announcement came in the presence of FIH President Leandro Negre, who flew down personally to thank him for the gesture and said the World Cup final will be held between 6:30 pm and 8 pm on the same day.
"I'm very pleased and happy over the good gesture by the IPL. It's good working together," said Negre, who represented Spain in the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.
Modi said that with the change in timings the Indian sports fans can look forward to a "Super Saturday" on March 13, the second day of the Twenty20 League. PTI
