BCCI Outsmarts Rain, Likely to Shift IPL 2025 Final to Ahmedabad from Kolkata - Report

The final of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), originally slated to take place at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, is reportedly set to be relocated to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium due to looming weather uncertainties, as per the Press Trust of India.

This decision, prompted by forecasts of inclement weather in Kolkata during late May, marks a significant shift in plans for the tournament’s summit clash. 

An IPL final is traditionally hosted at the home ground of the defending champions, which is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in this case.

Also read: Australian Players Return to IPL and PSL in Doubt Despite Ceasefire - Reports

Weather Woes in Kolkata Might Force IPL 2025 Final Venue Change

Weather forecasters, including AccuWeather, have predicted a high probability of rain and thunderstorms in Kolkata around the scheduled final date of May 25. The city’s history of weather disruptions during IPL matches adds weight to these concerns. 

A league match between KKR and Punjab Kings (Punjab Kings) this season on April 26 was abandoned due to rain at the Eden Gardens. 

Therefore, according to PTI, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue with a seating capacity exceeding 130,000, has emerged as the frontrunner to host the IPL 2025 final. The stadium has a strong track record, having successfully hosted the IPL finals in 2022 and 2023, including a rain-affected 2023 final between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that extended to a reserve day. 

Unlike Kolkata, Ahmedabad’s weather forecast for late May and early June is more favorable, with AccuWeather indicating minimal chances of rain.

IPL 2025 to Resume Soon Following Suspension 

The potential venue change comes amid broader challenges for IPL 2025, which faced a week-long suspension from May 9 due to heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan. 

The ceasefire agreement on May 10 allowed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to plan the tournament’s resumption, tentatively set for May 16 with a revised schedule expected to be announced soon. 

The suspension has already disrupted the original timeline, pushing the final to a likely date of May 30 or June 1. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering hosting the remaining matches, including playoffs, in southern cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans (GT) have already started their practice.

Also read: IPL 2025: BCCI likely to have meeting today on resumption of IPL