EXPLAINED: How IPL Playoffs Work?

As is the case with multi-nation ICC tournaments, the Indian Premier League was also launched in the standard format in order to determine the title winner. Until the 2011 season, the Top Four teams after the league stage used to play the semi-final matches, and their respective winners would play each other for the title glory.

In an attempt to make things seemingly fair, the first-placed team in the points table would face the fourth placed team, while the second team in the table would face the third.

However, the much fairer playoffs system was introduced from the next season (2011) onward and the same has continued to gain acceptance since then to determine the IPL title winner.

How IPL Playoffs Work?

This system rewards the team which has won the maximum number of league stage matches. The top and the second-placed teams on the points table are deservedly provided with an extra opportunity to make it through to the grand finale. This means that instead of two, three matches take place before the final match.

After the end of league stage matches, the Top Two teams in the table lock horns ‘Qualifier 1’. Here, the winner goes straight into the final, while the loser is granted one more opportunity to seal the final spot.

The second match of the playoffs is the ‘Eliminator’. Here, the third and fourth ranked teams face each other and the winner is then required to play the loser of ‘Qualifier 1’ in ‘Qualifier 2’. The loser of ‘Eliminator’ is eliminated from the tournament. Finally, the winner of two Qualifier matches face each other in IPL grand finale.

How Does Big Bash League Playoffs Take Place?

In the eight-team Big Bash League, a total of five teams enter the next round post the league stage. Instead of the third and fourth placed teams (in the IPL), here the fourth and fifth placed teams play the ‘Eliminator’. The winner of this contestz goes through to the next stage.

Next is the ‘Qualifier’ fixture. Akin the IPL, here too, the first and second placed teams in the table play against each other to book their grand finale berth directly. The loser of the Qualifier does not get eliminated as yet.

The third match is known as the ‘Knockout’. Here, the winner of the ‘Eliminator’ faces the third placed team in the points table.

The winner of ‘Knockout’ will lock horns against the loser of ‘Qualifier’ in what is known as ‘The Challenger’ fixture.

Finally, the winner of ‘The Challenger’ will go through to the finals, where they will face the winner of ‘Qualifier’ in the grand finale.