Due to unpredictable weather conditions, the venues for the IPL 2025 playoffs and final have been changed. Originally scheduled to be held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the final will now take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad because of the looming threat of rain. The second qualifier, scheduled for June 1, will also be played at the same venue.
The decision was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, May 20, following multiple meetings.
Officials explained that the onset of the monsoon has increased the likelihood of sudden rainfall in various parts of the country, potentially disrupting the matches. One official remarked, “After the war, weather is now our biggest challenge.”
Initially, Hyderabad was chosen to host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Kolkata was set to stage the final. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had strongly pushed for the final to be held at Eden Gardens, citing the city’s rich cricketing heritage and Kolkata Knight Riders’ previous IPL title. However, the growing threat of rain led to a change in plans.
According to the revised schedule, the first two playoff matches — on May 29 and 30 — will now be held in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Additionally, the May 23 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad has been relocated from Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium to Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium.
The BCCI stated that weather forecasts indicate the lowest chances of rainfall over the next 15 days in Ahmedabad and New Chandigarh, making them the safest options for hosting the playoffs and final.
