Rajeev Shukla breaks silence on 'Political Conspiracy' behind IPL 2025 playoffs venue change

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla has opened up about the venue change for the playoffs and final in the IPL 2025 season. Shukla denied any political conspiracy or agenda, adding that the shift in venues was due to weather conditions and broadcasting concerns.

The IPL 2025 was delayed by a week due to tensions between India and Pakistan. The BCCI announced a revised schedule for the playoffs and final. Kolkata was set to host the final, but it was moved to Ahmedabad. Qualifier-1 and Eliminator, planned for Hyderabad, were relocated to New Chandigarh.

There Is No Politics in the Decision - Rajeev Shukla Opens Up on Venue Changes

Rajeev Shukla said that the decision to change the IPL 2025 final venue was driven by concerns raised by broadcasters. He stated that weather conditions were considered, which led to the venue changes to reduce the risk of disruptions and financial losses.

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"There is no politics in the decision involving the shift in the venue of the IPL 2025 final. If the IPL hadn't been suspended for a week and the tournament had happened according to the initial schedule, the final would have been held in Kolkata, and the playoffs would have been held in Hyderabad. After the schedule was changed, the weather aspect was considered. Even broadcasters urged the venue shift to avoid losses," Shukla told ANI.

Watch the video of the same posted by ANI on X (formerly known as Twitter) below:

#WATCH | On #IPL2025 final venue changed from Eden Gardens in Kolkata to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla says, "People should not look for any politics here, the matches that have been shifted. This decision was not politically motivated. Had… pic.twitter.com/7fsSy7k40L

— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2025

All Venues Were Considered, Including Kolkata - Rajeev Shukla

Rajeev Shukla confirmed that multiple venues were reviewed for the IPL playoffs, but New Chandigarh and Ahmedabad were chosen. He added that the decision to move matches from Hyderabad and Kolkata was based on weather forecasts, calling the rumours untrue.

"All venues were considered, including Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Kolkata and Ahmedabad," Shukla stated.

"According to the weather report, the least likely chance of rain was in New Chandigarh and Ahmedabad. The matches were also shifted from Hyderabad, not just Kolkata. There is no political agenda in this. These rumours are untrue," he added.

The BCCI Faced Significant Criticism After Rain Delay in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2

The BCCI faced significant criticism after deciding to move the IPL 2025 final and Qualifier 2 from Kolkata to Ahmedabad, with some accusing the board of having a political motive behind shifting the matches away from Eden Gardens.

While Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator took place in Mullanpur without any interruptions, rain in Ahmedabad caused a two-hour delay during Qualifier 2 between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings on June 1.

Notably, the previous year’s finalists have always hosted the playoffs and final in the following season. The IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will now be held in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Both teams are yet to win the title.

Also read: Watch: Jitesh Sharma folds hands, says no to cake attack on Virat Kohli at RCB bash before IPL final