With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaching its most exciting stage, all eyes are now on the playoff venues.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official announcement, strong indications suggest that Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will host both Qualifier 2 and the grand final. These crucial matches are tentatively scheduled for June 1 and June 3, as reported by Cricbuzz.

But why Ahmedabad? And what’s causing the delay in officially locking down the venues? The answer lies in two key factors: unpredictable weather patterns and logistical challenges.

Weather Uncertainty Delaying Final Decisions

The BCCI is being particularly cautious this season due to the unpredictable monsoon conditions sweeping across India. While Ahmedabad is currently expected to stay dry in early June, the board is monitoring the situation closely. Weather remains the only hurdle preventing an official confirmation of the playoff schedule.

In fact, the BCCI is holding back its venue announcements primarily to see how the monsoon progresses. If the rain predictions turn out to be off the mark, there’s a chance that the venues could still change. For now, however, Ahmedabad appears to be the safest bet.

Mumbai was initially considered for hosting one or more playoff matches. However, the city recently experienced heavy rainfall, and the weather continues to remain overcast. That has made it a less reliable choice, especially for high-stakes matches like the playoffs.

Alternative North Indian Venues in Consideration

If the weather deteriorates in Ahmedabad or Mumbai, the BCCI could shift the matches to other North Indian cities. Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow are on the list of potential alternatives. These cities are currently expected to stay relatively dry during the playoff period, making them viable backup options.

However, the BCCI is unlikely to shift the playoff games to a brand-new city that hasn’t hosted league matches this season. Instead, they’ll probably select venues from the six cities already hosting the remaining 17 league matches. This strategy not only minimizes disruption but also simplifies logistics.

Logistics: The Unsung Hero in Venue Decisions

Weather may be the main concern, but logistics is a close second—and sometimes even more decisive. Transporting broadcasting equipment, setting up infrastructure, and ensuring a seamless fan experience requires meticulous planning. Moving all this to a new city just for one or two matches is an expensive and complicated task.

That’s one reason the BCCI didn’t allocate any playoff games to cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Mohali. Many of these cities had only one or two home games left, making the setup unjustifiable for such a short stint.

In Kolkata’s case, unpredictable weather played a part too. The Eden Gardens, one of India's most iconic cricket venues, will miss out on playoff action this year due to concerns about rain. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have already completed all their home games there, making the exclusion easier to justify.

Hyderabad and Chennai, despite having strong fan bases and excellent stadiums, also didn’t make the cut. Their home teams—Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings—had only one remaining game each, making the logistics of setting up and broadcasting a single match unfeasible.

Punjab Kings Find a New Home Base in Jaipur

Punjab Kings, another team impacted by venue reshuffling, have seen their home ground change due to external circumstances. With border tensions affecting Mohali and Dharamsala, the BCCI chose Jaipur as the new base for the team’s last two home games.

This decision reflects the board’s flexible, safety-first approach, balancing fan expectations with real-world challenges. Jaipur is well-equipped to host IPL games and has become a reliable venue in recent seasons.

Ahmedabad Emerging as the Front-runner

Given the current conditions, Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is emerging as the clear favorite for hosting the final and one of the qualifiers. Its capacity, weather forecast, and existing infrastructure make it the most suitable option at this stage of the tournament.

The BCCI is expected to make an official announcement soon, once they’re confident that weather conditions won’t disrupt the final leg of the season. Until then, fans and teams alike will have to wait patiently for the official word.

Whether it's the electric atmosphere in Ahmedabad or a surprise shift to a different city, the IPL 2025 playoffs are sure to bring high-octane cricket and unforgettable moments.