IPL playoffs, final venues change not politically motivated: BCCI's Rajeev Shukla
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dismissed claims that the decision to move the IPL 2025 playoffs and final matches out of Kolkata was politically motivated. The tournament, which had been suspended due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, resumed a week later and has been extended until 3 June.BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified on Monday that the rescheduling and relocation of key matches were driven purely by weather-related concerns and logistical challenges, not by any political considerations.advertisementThe IPL playoffs were initially scheduled to be hosted in Hyderabad and Kolkata. However, following the tournament's resumption, the playoffs were relocated to New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) and Ahmedabad. The final, originally slated for 25 May, was postponed to 3 June. The playoffs commenced on 27 May, with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator taking place in Mullanpur without any weather disruptions.
However, on 1 June, Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians was delayed by two hours due to rain in Ahmedabad. This prompted criticism from a section of fans who questioned the rationale behind moving the match from Kolkata, especially as weather conditions in Ahmedabad also proved unpredictable.'People should not look for any politics here, the matches that have been shifted. This decision was not politically motivated,' Shukla told news agency ANI. He explained that had the IPL proceeded according to its original schedule, without the interruption caused by the India-Pakistan conflict, the final would have taken place in Kolkata on 25 May, and the playoffs in Hyderabad.advertisementWith the revised schedule, however, weather forecasts for Kolkata became a significant concern. "Broadcaster too said that the weather in Kolkata is predicted to be bad on the said days, there is likely to be rainfall, the match can be washed out and they would suffer heavy losses. They requested a venue where the rainfall is less likely,' Shukla said.He further explained that multiple venues were assessed, including Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad. Weather reports indicated that rainfall was least likely in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, prompting the decision to relocate the matches to these cities. 'It was not just about Kolkata. We had to change venue many times in the past as well. So, this is nothing new... So, there is no political conspiracy here... Inaugural ceremony was held in Kolkata,' Shukla added.The move has drawn criticism from the West Bengal government. State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas on Sunday evening reiterated allegations of political influence in the venue change.'I previously addressed the media during a press conference regarding the political motivations behind the decision to relocate the playoffs and final matches from Eden Gardens. Recent developments have further illuminated this issue,' Biswas said in a statement.advertisementOver years, the finalists of the previous edition have always hosted the playoffs and final of the subsequent edition. Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune InTrending Reel
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