The CPL has announced a new playoff format for the 2023 season, generating mixed reactions among fans. This new format sees the top five teams make the playoffs, with the top two facing off in a game to determine which club will host the CPL final. The fourth-placed team will play the fifth-placed team, with the winner going on to face the third-placed team. The winner of this match will then face the loser of the 1 vs. 2 match to determine which club will progress to the final.

In comparison to last year's format, which saw the top four teams make the playoffs, this new format allows one more team to participate in the off-season. However, the winner of the 1 vs. 2 match will have a 14-day break between that match and the final, which some argue could put them at a disadvantage, which feels weird for the top 2 teams.

We ran a poll on our socials asking fans what they thought of the new format. Here's the responses:
61.4% do NOT like the new format, while only 38.6% said they liked it.

A lot of fans argue that the format is way too confusing for the casual CPL viewers, and that a change was completely unnecessary, as last year's format couldn't be better.

However, the Canadian Premier League had their reasons as to why change the format.

“We are excited about this new format because it provides additional incentive to perform well during our regular season and makes every single playoff match essentially a final. Win and advance or lose and go home.”

Mark Noonan, commissioner of the Canadian Premier League

Unlike last year, every single match will go to extra time if tied after 90. Prior to this season, only the final would go to extra time if it was tied after 90 minutes.

The 2nd-placed, 3rd-placed and 4th-placed teams will host at least 1 match, while the 1st-placed team is assured of hosting 2 matches: The semi-final vs. 2nd-placed team and the final or the 2nd semi-final vs. the winner of the 3rd/4th/5th play-off.

The playoffs will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 11, and the CPL Final is scheduled to take place the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29.

We took a look at some of the reactions from both sides under the league's announcements:

For:

“Postseason hype begins earlier than ever before"

“The order of finish for teams in the regular season takes far more importance than ever before"

“Each spot from 1st to 5th comes with particular advantages or disadvantages"

“A potential Cinderella run for the 5th-placed team"

Against:

“The format is too confusing even for the biggest CPL fans"

“Unnecessary change, last year's format was perfect"

“If you finish 5th, you don't deserve to make the play-offs"

“The winner of the 1st vs. 2nd match-up is at a disadvantage because of the 2-week break"

“Play-offs don't matter anymore because over half of the league can get in"

“Too many teams make the play-offs"

“This was done to appease clubs and not to maintain the integrity of the competition"

“Why should the 1st-placed team face the 2nd-placed team, while the other 3 face off against each other?"

“At this point, just make a separate competition: A league cup and the CPL"

“No fanbase asked for this"

What are your opinions on it?