Why is the IPL 2025 final being moved from Kolkata to Ahmedabad?

The IPL 2025 final might shift from Kolkata to Ahmedabad due to potential weather issues, after the season resumes after its week-long suspension.

Why is the IPL 2025 final being moved from Kolkata to Ahmedabad?

The 2025 IPL final might be shifted from Kolkata to Ahmedabad. (via IPL.com)

The 2025 IPL season is set to resume, a week after the BCCI suspended it amidst escalating cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The revised schedule for the season could see the final being moved to Ahmedabad from Kolkata, due to weather conditions.

The 2025 IPL season had to be suspended for a week on May 9, amid fears of a border conflict. The BCCI’s decision was prompted by public outcry over its continuation, as well as the cancellation of an encounter between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, on May 8. The match was called off midway, after floodlights went off and air raid sirens were heard in the vicinity of the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.

Following India and Pakistan’s mutual ceasefire agreement after a week-long standoff, the BCCI decided to work upon resumption of the IPL. After a series of meetings and consultations with the stakeholders, the board and the IPL Governing Council announced its decision to restart the tournament from May 17. A revised schedule for the remaining matches has been released, with the final set to played on June 3.

This means the 2025 season, which was unexpectedly paused, will now extend beyond its originally planned conclusion of May 25th, by more than a week. The updated IPL schedule features just six venues, including Bengaluru, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Travel and logistics, are the primary reasons that the matches have not been allocated in the other remaining venues.

Moreover, the venues for the playoffs, including the final, are yet to be announced by the BCCI. While there is no official word yet on whether the final, scheduled on June 3, will be moved from its original venue, the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, there are strong rumors suggesting the BCCI is considering the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the host for the final match.

According to reports, the change in venue could be due to an unfavorable weather forecast for Kolkata on and around June 3rd. There’s a significant 65 percent chance of heavy rainfall predicted at Eden Gardens. Thereafter, to avoid potential disruptions, there’s a possibility the final match could be shifted to the city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, where it is unlikely to rain in early June. 

The BCCI is also reviewing the other playoff venues this season. While Eden Gardens in Kolkata is slated to host the eliminator, and the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad is the planned venue for Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 this IPL season. Mumbai has emerged as a potential option to host the other playoff matches, but the final decision hinges solely on an accurate weather forecast.

Meanwhile, the first game after the resumption of the 2025 IPL season will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru, up against Kolkata Knight Riders. The schedule also includes the cancelled match between PBKS and DC, set to be replayed at Jaipur on May 24. 

Sunil Gavaskar urges IPL to do away with ‘cheerleaders’ and ‘DJs’ for remainder of the season

Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar urged the BCCI and the IPL authorities to do away with cheerleaders and DJs, for the remainder of the season, starting May 17. The IPL 2025 season is expected to restart, after it was temporarily halted due to border tensions.

Sunil Gavaskar on IPL cheerleaders DJ
Sunil Gavaskar urged the IPL authorities to do away with cheerleaders and DJs this season. (via NDTV Sports)

Gavaskar called for the BCCI to remove the ‘screaming’ DJs and the cheerleaders from the stadiums. He suggested that this would serve as a mark of respect for the sentiments of the families who lost their loved ones, during the recent tensions between India and Pakistan. Gavaskar recommended that the IPL conduct the remaining matches without loud music, emphasizing a focus solely on the game itself. 

I would sincerely hope, because of what has happened and some families have lost their near and dear ones, I would like all the paraphernalia that goes on with it not to be there…

Sunil Gavaskar on IPL ‘cheerleaders’ and ‘DJs’ (H/T Indian Express)

Despite announcing a new schedule, the BCCI is yet make a decision on whether the usual entertainment elements, beyond cricket will still take place. The new schedule does feature two double headers, which will be played on two Sundays.