What the IPL rulebook says if PBKS vs RCB final ends in a washout?

Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten masterclass of 87 powered Punjab Kings into their second-ever IPL final as they overcame Mumbai Indians by five wickets on Sunday. In a rain-delayed second qualifier held in Ahmedabad, Punjab chased down a formidable 204-run target with six balls to spare.

Iyer’s 41-ball blitz, studded with five boundaries and eight towering sixes, proved to be the difference as he finished the match with a match-winning six, underlining his value as both captain and finisher.

The resounding victory has now set up a tantalising final showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both sides will be vying for their maiden IPL crown, making this a historic occasion for the tournament. RCB earned their place in the final after defeating Punjab in the first qualifier, adding an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming clash.

However, weather forecasts have introduced an element of uncertainty to the much-anticipated final. Light rain is predicted for the evening of June 3 in Ahmedabad, potentially impacting the smooth conduct of the contest. As per IPL protocols, if rain hampers play and the full game cannot be completed, even after the allotted extra two hours, a reserve day is scheduled for June 4.

What happens if the reserve day is washed out too?

In the event that adverse weather conditions persist and the reserve day also fails to yield a result, the IPL rulebook has a clear guideline. The team that finished higher on the IPL league stage table will be declared the winner. That gives Punjab Kings an edge, as they topped the table with nine wins, four losses, and one no-result from 14 matches under Iyer’s leadership. Should both match days be completely washed out, Punjab would be crowned champions by virtue of their superior league performance.

If the final does commence and ends in a tie, the game will proceed to a Super Over to decide the winner. In the highly unlikely scenario of the Super Over also ending in a tie, additional Super Overs will be played until one team emerges victorious.

This article first appeared on Mid Day