The decision to hold final in Ahmedabad was based on scientific inputs: BCCI, not political pressure. BCCI’s Scientific Decision helped IPL 2025 avoid rain interruptions and ensured a smooth final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. Here’s the full story behind the venue change.
BCCI’s Scientific Decision: IPL 2025 Final Shifted to Ahmedabad Due to Low Rain Forecast
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended successfully, thanks to BCCI’s Scientific Decision to change the venue of the final. Originally scheduled to be held in Kolkata, the final match was shifted to Ahmedabad after weather data showed a high chance of rain in the eastern city. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the decision was based purely on weather forecasts and not political influences, as some had speculated.
During the IPL Governing Council (GC) meeting on May 20, BCCI officials reviewed detailed meteorological data for all potential venues. According to the reports, Kolkata had a 65% chance of rain on the final day, whereas Ahmedabad had only a 3% chance. Based on this input, the council chose Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium to host the IPL 2025 final.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the media after the match, stating:
“The decision was never political. We have banked on scientific material and inputs. There was no forecast for rain in Ahmedabad at the time of the GC.”
The accuracy of BCCI’s Scientific Decision was proven on match day. While the final in Ahmedabad went ahead without any interruptions, Kolkata faced heavy rain and thunderstorms for over four hours starting at 9 PM. Although Ahmedabad experienced a brief drizzle earlier in the day, it did not affect the 40-over match.
Qualifier 2, played a few days earlier, saw a two-hour delay due to rain, but no overs were lost. This showed that despite the unpredictable weather, careful planning helped avoid major disruptions.
In conclusion, BCCI’s Scientific Decision played a key role in ensuring the success of the IPL 2025 final. By trusting data over speculation, the BCCI protected the integrity of the tournament and demonstrated how modern sports management should operate.
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