BCCI Shifts IPL 2025 Final from Kolkata to Ahmedabad, Triggers Political Outcry in Bengal

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shifted the IPL 2025 final from Kolkata’s Eden Gardens to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium due to concerns over weather. The move has created a political storm in West Bengal, with the ruling Trinamool Congress leaders questioning the logic behind the shift.

Originally, Kolkata and Hyderabad were set to host the IPL playoffs, including Qualifier 2 and the final. Following IPL tradition, cities whose teams reached the previous season’s final—Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad—were chosen as hosts. However, the BCCI attributed the change to the anticipated arrival of the southwest monsoon and the potential for heavy rainfall.

Political Leaders Slam BCCI’s Decision

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas severely criticized the BCCI and IPL Governing Council, asking how they could depend on weather forecasts so long in advance.

“Since when has the BCCI and IPL governing council become weathermen?” Biswas quipped at a press conference flanked by Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma. He quoted the India Meteorological Department (IMD), saying that predictions for Kolkata between May 20–30 would only be made from May 14 and no such prediction could be done for June 1 until May 26.

“It is clear that Bengal’s cricket fans are being shortchanged by shifting the match out of the iconic Eden Gardens,” he further added.

BCCI Defends Move Amid Scheduling Pressure

BCCI made the announcement after the season of IPL 2025 was suspended for a week when India and Pakistan were involved in a conflict after the Pahalgam terror attack. The postponement led to the playoffs beginning on May 29, with the final moved to June 3. Ahmedabad and Punjab’s New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur will host the rest of the matches.

This is the third IPL final to be contested in Ahmedabad over the past four seasons. Gujarat Titans, whose home is the Narendra Modi Stadium, clinched their first title there in 2022.

Cricket Authorities and Ganguly Respond

The Bengal Cricket Association (CAB) also expressed displeasure, claiming weather forecasts weren’t good enough reasons to relocate a high-stakes game. The organization argued there was no guarantee of rain and the decision unfairly denied Kolkata supporters the chance.

Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly attempted to persuade board administrators to keep the final in Kolkata, though such attempts were unsuccessful, according to reports.

In spite of the rescheduling of the games, the playoffs of the IPL are on schedule with cricket enthusiasts in West Bengal complaining about the Eden Gardens being left out of the final’s hosting right. The controversy is still generating political heat between state and central governments in power.