By Zainab Shafiq 
The ongoing Indian Premier League has seen a crucial last-minute shakeup, with IPL matches relocated from Bengaluru to Lucknow due to persistent heavy rains. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will no longer play their final home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 23. Instead, the match and their final league fixture against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 — will now be hosted at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The move was triggered by a yellow alert issued in Bengaluru, warning of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” throughout the week. RCB’s previous game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was already abandoned due to relentless downpours. With city streets flooded and thunderstorms continuing, the team has had no opportunity to train outdoors.
This shift gives RCB a much-needed advantage. With 17 points and second place on the table, their shot at a top-two finish and a possible double chance in the playoffs now looks more secure. Had the SRH match been washed out, RCB’s playoff hopes could have been left to fate.
IPL Matches Relocated: Where Will Playoffs 2025 Take Place?
Alongside this venue reshuffle, the BCCI has also relocated IPL matches for the 2025 playoffs. Originally set to be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata, the playoffs will now be split between New Chandigarh and Ahmedabad.
Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) is set to host Qualifier 1 on May 29, followed by the Eliminator on May 30. Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will take over for Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand finale on June 3. This venue change, according to the IPL Governing Council, was made “keeping in mind the weather conditions and other parameters.”
Three teams, including Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gujarat Titan,s have already locked in their playoff spots. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians remain in contention for the final berth.
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