The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is facing potential changes regarding its final match, not just in its scheduling but possibly in its location as well.

This shift is attributed to adverse weather conditions, as reported by PTI. Originally slated for Kolkata's Eden Gardens on May 25, the final may now be moved to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, which is emerging as the leading candidate for the new venue. This comes amidst a backdrop of a one-week suspension of the league starting May 9 due to heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan, although a ceasefire was agreed upon the following day.

Rajiv Shukla, the Vice-President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in conversation with the Press Trust of India, emphasized the uncertainty of the situation. He stated, "No decision has been taken yet. The BCCI officials are working on the situation. The tournament was suspended for a week, and yesterday there was a ceasefire. The tournament will be restarted soon." This statement underscores the fluid nature of the circumstances surrounding the IPL's resumption and subsequent final match proceedings.

The convention of the defending champions' home venue hosting the final match of the IPL is under reconsideration due to these unforeseen developments. Eden Gardens, belonging to the current champions Kolkata Knight Riders, was the designated venue for this prestigious event. However, logistical challenges, including the availability of overseas players following the league's suspension, have complicated plans. The league is anticipated to recommence on May 16 or May 17, aiming to navigate through these operational hurdles successfully.

In addition to these challenges, the weather forecast for Kolkata towards the end of May threatens further disruptions. AccuWeather predicts a high likelihood of rainfall during what would be the final week of the IPL, a concern given that the city has already experienced a game cancellation due to rain. This incident occurred during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings on April 26, which was abandoned partway through the second innings due to inclement weather.Gaurav Sharma Oneindia