The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament—it’s a phenomenon that captures the imagination of millions every year. From nail-biting finishes to record-breaking performances, the IPL is a celebration of cricket, culture, and community.
But IPL 2025 has delivered a twist even before the final showdown: the grand finale, originally scheduled for Kolkata’s legendary Eden Gardens, has been moved to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Meanwhile, Mullanpur will host the all-important Qualifier 1 and Eliminator matches. This unexpected change has set the cricketing world abuzz, leaving fans and players alike eager to know what’s next.
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Why Was the IPL 2025 Final Shifted from Kolkata to Ahmedabad?
The IPL final is always a marquee event, and Eden Gardens—one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world—was all set to host the big night on May 25, 2025.
The city of Kolkata, with its passionate fans and rich cricketing history, was ready to roll out the red carpet. However, nature had other plans. The early arrival of the monsoon in eastern India brought with it the threat of heavy rain, casting a shadow over the possibility of a smooth, uninterrupted final.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced a tough decision. As former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly put it, “It’s not easy to shift venues.” Yet, the risk of a rain-affected final was too great to ignore. The BCCI, always committed to delivering a world-class experience for fans and players, decided to move the final to Ahmedabad, where the weather is expected to be more favourable.
This decision ensures that the IPL 2025 final will be played without the looming threat of rain, allowing the best team to lift the trophy in front of a packed stadium.
The Revised IPL 2025 Playoff Schedule: Dates and Venues
With the venue change, the IPL 2025 playoff schedule has been updated as follows:
- Qualifier 1: May 29, Mullanpur
- Eliminator: May 30, Mullanpur
- Qualifier 2: June 1, Ahmedabad
- Final: June 3, Ahmedabad
This means that the road to the IPL trophy will pass through two cities, with Mullanpur hosting the first two playoff matches before the action shifts to Ahmedabad for the final leg.
Ahmedabad: The New Home of IPL Finals
Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is no stranger to high-stakes cricket. With a seating capacity of over 100,000, it is the largest cricket stadium in the world and has already hosted the IPL finals in 2022 and 2023. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere make it the perfect venue for the biggest match of the season.
Traditionally, the IPL final is played at the home ground of the defending champions. Previously, the Chennai Super Kings enjoyed this honor. This year, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were set to host the final at Eden Gardens. However, with the weather playing spoilsport, the BCCI’s decision to move the final to Ahmedabad ensures that the show will go on, rain or shine.
Mullanpur’s Moment in the Spotlight
For Mullanpur, this is a historic moment. The Punjab Kings’ home ground has already hosted four matches this season, but hosting the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator is a first.
This gives local fans a chance to witness some of the most crucial matches of the season up close. If the Punjab Kings manage a top-two finish, they’ll have the added advantage of playing Qualifier 1 on their home turf—a potential game-changer in their quest for IPL glory.
Earlier in the season, Punjab Kings had to shift some of their home matches to Dharamsala due to India-Pakistan tensions. Now, Mullanpur gets its chance to shine on the biggest stage, and the excitement among local fans is palpable.
The Playoff Race: Teams, Drama, and High Stakes
As the league stage draws to a close, three teams—Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings—have already secured their spots in the playoffs. The battle for the final spot is heating up between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals, with every run, wicket, and catch in the remaining matches carrying enormous significance.
If Punjab Kings clinch a top-two finish, they’ll enjoy the home advantage in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the drama is set to reach fever pitch as the playoffs approach.
Extended Cut-Off Time: More Cricket, Less Worry
In another important update, the BCCI has extended the cut-off time for all matches starting May 20. The new cut-off is 11:56 PM, an hour later than before.
This move is designed to accommodate any weather-related delays, ensuring that fans get a full game and teams have a fair shot at victory. It’s a small but significant change that reflects the BCCI’s commitment to delivering the best possible experience for everyone involved.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
For fans in Kolkata, the news is bittersweet. Eden Gardens is a temple of cricket, and missing out on the final is a disappointment. But the BCCI’s decision ensures that the IPL 2025 final will be played without interruption, preserving the integrity of the tournament. For fans in Ahmedabad and Mullanpur, it’s a golden opportunity to witness IPL history in the making.
If you’re planning to attend the matches, keep an eye on ticket updates and travel plans. Ahmedabad’s hospitality and Mullanpur’s passionate crowd promise an unforgettable experience.
The Bigger Picture: IPL’s Resilience and Adaptability
The IPL has always thrived on its ability to adapt—whether it’s shifting venues due to weather, political tensions, or even a global pandemic. This year’s venue changes are another testament to the league’s commitment to delivering world-class cricket, no matter the obstacles.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for an Unforgettable IPL 2025 Finale
The IPL 2025 final’s move from Kolkata to Ahmedabad is more than just a change of address—it’s a story of resilience, quick decision-making, and the relentless pursuit of cricketing excellence. With Mullanpur and Ahmedabad set to host the season’s most crucial matches, fans are in for a treat.
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to cheer for your favorite team as the IPL 2025 playoffs promise drama, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs:-
Where is qualifier 1 IPL 2025?
Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will now take place in New Chandigarh on May 29 and 30, respectively. Qualifier 2 and the final will be hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 1 and 3, respectively.
Why did the IPL final move from Kolkata?
Kolkata: City IPL fans are devastated after the IPL final and Qualifier 2, which were scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens next week, were moved to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium due to fears of rain disrupting the matches.
