Is the RCB vs SRH Match Really Moving to Lucknow?
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Synopsis
The IPL has shifted the RCB vs SRH match from Bengaluru to Lucknow due to severe weather warnings. With RCB's home ground unplayable, the team will now play both remaining league matches at the Ekana Stadium. This change reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the league amid unpredictable weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- RCB vs SRH match moved to Lucknow
- Weather alerts led to venue change
- RCB will play remaining matches in Lucknow
- Playoff matches also rescheduled
- Three teams confirmed for playoffs
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be unable to host their final home game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season. The Indian Premier League has officially decided to shift Match No. 65, which features RCB against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), from Bengaluru to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, originally planned for Friday (May 23).
This change follows a meeting involving BCCI and IPL officials on Tuesday, prompted by a yellow alert from the Indian Meteorological Department warning of potential “heavy to very heavy rainfall” in Bengaluru through Thursday.
As a result of this venue change, RCB will now play both of their remaining league matches in Lucknow. They will compete against SRH on May 23 and then face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 at the same venue.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed this decision to IANS, stating, “The IPL Match No. 65 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 has been moved to Lucknow's Ekana Stadium due to adverse weather reports. This decision was reached after a meeting with BCCI and IPL officials on Tuesday.”
“Furthermore, the playoff matches will occur at Narendra Modi Stadium (Final, June 3 and Qualifier 2, June 1) in Ahmedabad, and Mullanpur Stadium (Qualifier 1, May 29 and Eliminator, May 30) in New Chandigarh, for the same reasons,” he added.
RCB's last home match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was called off without a ball being bowled due to continuous rainfall. Since then, the city has faced severe weather issues, including thunderstorms and extensive waterlogging, making it impractical to schedule another crucial match in Bengaluru.
Given these logistical hurdles and weather concerns, the BCCI has also confirmed the finalized venues for the IPL 2025 Playoffs.
The New PCA Stadium at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh will host Qualifier 1 on May 29 and the Eliminator on May 30, while Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will stage Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand finale on June 3. These matches were initially set to be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata but needed to be reassigned due to similar weather-related challenges.
This venue change follows a week-long suspension of the tournament earlier this month due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, which saw the league pause on May 9 and resume on May 17, with the final now postponed from May 25 to June 3.
Meanwhile, the playoff race is heating up. Three teams—Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Gujarat Titans (GT)—have already secured their playoff spots. The Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are in tight competition for the fourth and final playoff position.
Point of View
This unexpected shift highlights the IPL's commitment to ensuring that matches are played under optimal conditions. The decision reflects adaptability in facing weather challenges while maintaining the integrity of the tournament.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the RCB vs SRH match moved?
The match was relocated due to severe weather alerts predicting heavy rainfall in Bengaluru, making the conditions unplayable.
Where will the match now take place?
The match will now be held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
What other matches are affected by this weather?
The playoff matches for IPL 2025 have also been rescheduled, with venues changed to accommodate weather concerns.
How is RCB's playoff situation looking?
RCB, along with Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, has already secured a playoff spot, while Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians are competing for the last berth.
What impact does weather have on the IPL?
Weather significantly affects scheduling and venue selection, as seen with multiple matches being relocated this season.
