Why Was the IPL 2025 RCB vs SRH Match Moved to Lucknow?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the IPL 2025 match between RCB and SRH has been shifted to Lucknow due to severe weather conditions in Bengaluru. This decision was made following a yellow alert for heavy rainfall. Discover how this impacts the playoff race and what fans can expect from the remaining matches.
Key Takeaways
- Match relocation is due to adverse weather conditions.
- RCB will play their final two matches in Lucknow.
- IPL playoffs venues have been revised due to the same weather issues.
- The relocation prioritizes player safety and fan experience.
- Three teams have secured their playoff spots.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will not host their last home game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season. The Indian Premier League has officially shifted Match No. 65 between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), initially set for Friday (May 23), from Bengaluru to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
This move comes after a meeting involving BCCI and IPL officials on Tuesday, prompted by a yellow alert from the Indian Meteorological Department forecasting "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in Bengaluru until Thursday.
Consequently, RCB will now play both of their remaining league matches in Lucknow. They will face SRH on May 23 and subsequently meet the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 at the same venue.
Confirming the venue change, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal stated to IANS, "IPL Match No. 65 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 has been relocated to Lucknow's Ekana Stadium due to unfavorable weather reports. This decision was made following a meeting between BCCI and IPL officials on Tuesday.
Additionally, 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, also due to weather-related issues," 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 significant weather disruptions, including thunderstorms and widespread waterlogging. The ongoing adverse weather conditions made it impractical to schedule another crucial match in Bengaluru.
Taking these logistical difficulties and weather threats into account, the BCCI has confirmed 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, whereas Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will hold Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand finale on June 3. These matches were initially slated to take place in Hyderabad and Kolkata, but had to be reassigned due to similar weather concerns.
This adjustment comes after a week-long suspension of the tournament earlier this month due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The league paused on May 9 and resumed 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 spots. The Delhi Capitals (DC) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are vying for the fourth and final playoff position.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to provide unbiased reporting on unfolding events. The relocation of the IPL match underscores the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions affecting sports schedules. While fans may be disappointed, it is crucial to prioritize player safety and ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the RCB vs SRH match moved?
The match was relocated due to a yellow alert for heavy rainfall issued by the Indian Meteorological Department for Bengaluru.
Where will the match be played now?
The match will now take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
What are the new dates for RCB's matches?
RCB will face SRH on May 23 and the Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 in Lucknow.
What will happen to the IPL playoffs?
The IPL playoffs will also take place at revised venues due to weather concerns.
How has the weather affected previous matches?
RCB's last home game against KKR was abandoned due to relentless rainfall, impacting their schedule.
