The BCCI shifted the playoff venue from Kolkata to Ahmedabad due to the rainy season in West Bengal. Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are competing in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The match is scheduled at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, June 1st.
On a cloudy day, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field first. However, surprisingly, not a single ball has been bowled so far because of the rain at the time of this report.
Since there was no rain during the toss, it was expected that the match between PBKS and MI would proceed without interruptions. But the rain hasn’t eased up; every time there seemed to be a chance to start, the covers have been put back on to protect the pitch.
Interestingly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to move the playoffs from Kolkata to Ahmedabad, anticipating that the rainy weather in West Bengal could disrupt the matches. Yet, Ahmedabad is now facing similar weather challenges.
Fans on Twitter react as BCCI’s decision to move the playoffs to Ahmedabad backfires
This move has angered fans, who openly criticized the BCCI for ruining Qualifier 2. Here are some of their reactions:
BCCI selected Ahmedabad over Eden Gardens because of rain 🤡🤡🤡🤡#MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/253xQVrHQf
— Vitamin Protein (@putin_life_) June 1, 2025
Rescheduling a match to a different ground to avoid rain only for it to rain there too. BCCI masterclass.#MIvsPBKS #PBKSvsMI pic.twitter.com/CmOZ6g0WLJ
— Men’s Cricket (@MensCricket) June 1, 2025
BCCI and Gujju politics ruined our game. Hope these MFs never seen heaven for doing this 🙏🙏#MIvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/OCSBIk4NiA
— IndiaCapitals 📉📈 (@indiacapitals1) June 1, 2025
BCCI shifted Semi-Final from OG Eden Gardens to Ahmedabad just because of rain chances.
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) June 1, 2025
Today Kolkata have clear weather, while Ahmedabad is under rain.
This is Karma done by God himself. pic.twitter.com/6pVucxtvsv
BCCI organized the playoffs here due to potential rain in Kolkata, but now it's raining in Ahmedabad while Kolkata's weather is fine. pic.twitter.com/nf8WXk0FWF
— Ayush. (@OneKohli) June 1, 2025
BCCI has turned the IPL into a mockery. It was always a joke but with every passing year, they have somehow managed to make it worse. It's all down to their massive greed & it all hopefully blows up someday.
— D.⛅ (@Deep_Take001) June 1, 2025
Rescheduling a match to a different ground to avoid rain only for it to rain there too. BCCI masterclass.
— Manya (@CSKian716) June 1, 2025
Bcci and it's unreal obsession with Ahmedabad 🥴#IPL2025 #MIvPBKS #PBKSvMI #IPLPlayoffs #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/LxdiM4iLIH
— Harxhit ☝️ (@HPareek18) June 1, 2025
The winner of the PBKS vs MI match will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final. The final is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Tuesday, June 3rd. The BCCI has not scheduled a reserve day for Qualifier 2, a decision that has attracted significant criticism.
However, even if rain causes a washout, the finalists will still be determined. In such a case, the team with the higher position on the league stage points table will advance. Since PBKS finished first in the league stage and MI finished fourth, PBKS would move on to the final.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) enter their upcoming match after suffering a significant eight-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Qualifier 1. Despite this setback, they remain determined to bounce back and secure their spot in the final. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians (MI) head into the clash brimming with confidence following a strong 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. This victory has boosted MI’s morale, making them a formidable opponent. Both teams are eager to perform at their best, knowing that the winner will advance to face RCB in the IPL 2025 final.
