Why Was the IPL 2025 Match Between RCB and SRH Moved to Lucknow?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the IPL has relocated the highly anticipated match between RCB and SRH to Lucknow due to severe weather conditions in Bengaluru. As the tournament's intensity builds, both teams will now face off under different skies, raising stakes for the playoffs. Read on for all the latest updates and implications!
Key Takeaways
- RCB's match against SRH has been relocated to Lucknow.
- Weather conditions in Bengaluru led to the decision.
- Playoff schedules have been modified due to geopolitical tensions.
- Increased waiting time aims to ensure match conclusions.
- The playoff battle intensifies among competing teams.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress)—The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will no longer host their last home game of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The IPL has officially shifted Match No. 65—RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), initially set for Friday (May 23) in Bengaluru, to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
This decision follows an urgent discussion among BCCI and IPL officials on Tuesday, triggered by a yellow alert from the Indian Meteorological Department, forecasting “heavy to very heavy rainfall” in Bengaluru until Thursday.
As reported earlier by IANS, this alteration means RCB will now play both their remaining league matches in Lucknow—against SRH on May 23 and against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27.
The change comes after RCB’s previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was completely washed out due to incessant rain. Since then, thunderstorms and widespread flooding have engulfed the city, leaving no opportunity for another high-profile match to occur under similar circumstances.
On Tuesday, BCCI also released a formal announcement detailing the complete playoff schedule for IPL 2025 and confirmed the two venues for the four pivotal games.
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the schedule for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Playoffs on Tuesday.
Following 70 thrilling league-stage matches brimming with excitement, the focus will shift to the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, which is set to host the highly anticipated Qualifier 1, featuring the top two ranked teams on Thursday (May 29), followed by an exciting Eliminator on Friday (May 30),” the statement noted.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the second qualifier on June 1 and the final on June 3. Initially, the IPL final was slated for May 25, but the tournament faced a pause for a week from May 9 to May 17 due to escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. This situation compelled the BCCI to rearrange the entire playoff schedule and venue assignments.
Hyderabad and Kolkata were initially chosen as hosts for the four playoff matches; however, weather concerns and rescheduling due to the temporary suspension led the IPL Governing Council to select new venues. “In line with the playoff stage, an additional hour will be added to the playing conditions for the remaining matches of the league stage, commencing Tuesday (May 20),” IPL confirmed in its statement.
This provision—13.7.3 of the IPL playing conditions—extends the total waiting time for completing a match from 60 minutes to 120 minutes.
This adjustment aims to enhance the likelihood of achieving results in matches affected by weather as the league approaches its crucial final week.
With the playoff venues now established and added flexibility in the match schedule, the focus shifts to the competition for the last playoff spot.
Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Gujarat Titans (GT) have already secured their qualifications. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are in a tight race for the fourth and final playoff position.
Point of View
It is imperative to emphasize the IPL's commitment to ensuring player safety and match integrity. While the decision to move the match may disappoint fans, it reflects the league's adaptability in the face of unpredictable weather. The focus now shifts to maintaining the excitement of the playoffs amidst these challenges.
NationPress
11/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the RCB vs SRH match moved?
The match was relocated due to a yellow weather alert predicting heavy rainfall in Bengaluru.
Where will the match be held now?
The match will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
What changes were made to the playoff schedule?
The playoff schedule was adjusted, with key matches set to occur in Lucknow and Chandigarh due to weather concerns.
How will this affect RCB's chances?
Playing in Lucknow may alter home advantage dynamics, impacting RCB's performance in crucial matches.
What is the waiting time for matches now?
The waiting time for weather-affected matches has been extended from 60 minutes to 120 minutes.
