BCCI drops fresh bomb on IPL 2025 final venue switch to Ahmedabad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revealed the reason for shifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final clash from Kolkata to Ahmedabad. A day after the final, the board stated that the decision was made purely based on scientific inputs, without any other factors involved.

The Indian Premier League 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) concluded without any interruptions. Despite challenges from war and the threat of rain, careful scientific and skillful decision-making behind the scenes brought a sigh of relief to cricket fans.

IPL 2025 Playoff Venues Changed Due to Weather Concerns

The IPL Governing Council met on May 20 to review weather forecasts across India before finalizing the venues for the playoff matches, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final.

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Hyderabad and Kolkata were initially chosen as hosts, but after a week-long pause caused by escalating border tensions, both the political situation and weather patterns changed drastically.

With updated weather data in hand, the Council noted that Kolkata had a 65% chance of rain on the final day, whereas Ahmedabad’s forecast showed just a 3% chance. This significant difference led to the decision to move the final match to Ahmedabad to ensure smooth completion.

The Decision Was Never Political - BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia

The Board of Control for Cricket in India addressed speculation that the move of the IPL final was politically motivated. On June 4, a day after the final, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the decision was taken based on scientific data.

"The decision was never political. We have banked on scientific material and inputs. There was no forecast for rain in Ahmedabad at the time of the GC," Devajit Saikia told Cricbuzz.

The IPL 2025 final was played without interruption at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, Kolkata, which was set to host the match, was hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms. Kolkata experienced over four hours of intense rainfall and storms starting around 9 pm.

Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 Faced a Two-Hour Delay Due to Weather

Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 faced a two-hour delay due to weather conditions on Sunday, June 1. Interestingly, Kolkata had clear skies that day. BCCI and IPL officials were ultimately relieved as the crucial clash between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings was completed in full without any overs lost.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosted its third IPL final in as many years, having previously staged the title clashes in both 2022 and 2023.

It was first awarded the 2022 final after the league stage was held entirely in Mumbai. The stadium retained hosting rights the following year as the Gujarat Titans won the 2022 championship by defeating the Rajasthan Royals. On the other hand, Eden Gardens has hosted two IPL finals in 2013 and 2015.

Also read: Watch: Virat Kohli goes full curious kid mode with IPL trophy, checks what’s inside