Qualifier 1 under threat? Eden Gardens stadium damaged due to a thunderstorm

The last match of the league stage of the Indian T20 League 2022 between Punjab and Hyderabad is currently underway. The four teams who have been qualified for the playoffs are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Lucknow, and Bangalore.

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The Qualifier 1 match is slated to be played between Gujarat and Rajasthan on Tuesday, while Lucknow will lock horns with Bangalore in the Eliminator clash on Wednesday. Both games are scheduled to be played at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata.

However, ahead of the knockout games, there is some worry for the Indian Cricket Board. Kolkata received heavy rain and thunderstorm on Saturday evening. As per reports, the thunderstorm has also caused some damage at the Eden Gardens Stadium.

The squall shattered the glass covers of the press box, while a few hoardings and the cover were also blown away by the thunderstorm which was accompanied by a wind speed of 90 kmph according to the Met department.

Eden Gardens damaged after a thunderstorm #Kolkata #Edengardens pic.twitter.com/I2cXOXsCbS

— Akash Kharade (@cricaakash) May 22, 2022

However, the CAB official stated that the damages were minor and is confident that the matches will be played as per the schedule. "We still have two days in between. Everything will be ready and the press box glass will be fixed in time," said an official.

“The BCCI president inspected the venue after the rains and storm and discussed a few things with the CAB chief. Even though there has been some damage due to the rain, we are confident of putting everything back in shape before the playoff fixtures,” a source in the Board told Sportstar.

“Soon after the rain stopped, the covers were reinstalled. The situation is under control now and there is no reason to press the panic button,” the source said.

The Indian T20 League 2022 has reached the business end of the tournament. Interestingly, two of the most successful teams in the competition, Mumbai and Chennai finished at the bottom two spots on the points table. On the other hand, debutants such as Lucknow and Gujarat have finished have made into the playoffs in their very first season. It will be interesting to see who takes the trophy this time around.