IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match Moved to Lucknow Due to Weather in Bengaluru
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to bring unexpected turns, and the latest development has caught the attention of cricket fans across the country. The high-stakes match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which was initially scheduled to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has now been shifted to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This change comes in response to persistent and heavy rainfall in Bengaluru, which has disrupted not only the sporting calendar but also the hopes of thousands of fans waiting to witness the game live.
The decision to relocate the match has been made to ensure that the tournament continues smoothly and that the match is played without interruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, forecasting more rain over the next few days. In fact, RCB’s last match at home was already washed out due to weather conditions, and with the playoff stage fast approaching, the organisers decided not to take further risks.
Why the Match Was Shifted
Bengaluru has been experiencing relentless rainfall for over a week, resulting in waterlogged grounds and poor playing conditions. As the rain showed no signs of stopping, organisers and franchise officials came together and agreed that the only feasible option was to move the match to a different venue. Lucknow, with its modern facilities and better weather conditions, emerged as the suitable choice.
This venue shift is not just about playing a match in a different city; it carries a deeper impact for both the teams involved and their fans. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this is especially unfortunate, as their passionate home crowd often plays a significant role in boosting player morale. Still, the safety of players and the integrity of the game were given top priority.
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Impact on RCB and SRH
This match is a crucial one for both RCB and SRH. RCB is still in the race for a spot in the playoffs, and every match now carries immense importance for their campaign. A win here could greatly improve their chances of progressing to the next stage. For SRH, who are already positioned well on the points table, this game is an opportunity to solidify their place among the top teams and possibly earn a direct spot in the qualifier.
However, playing in Lucknow also brings challenges. The pitch at Ekana Stadium is known to behave differently compared to Chinnaswamy, and adapting quickly will be key for both teams. Fortunately, SRH played a match in Lucknow just a few days ago, giving them a slight edge in terms of familiarity with the conditions.
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What About the Fans?
Naturally, fans in Bengaluru are disappointed by this sudden change. Thousands had booked tickets and were looking forward to seeing their favourite stars in action. To address this, RCB has confirmed that full refunds will be provided to all ticket holders. While the excitement of a home game has been taken away, the decision was necessary given the unpredictable weather.
The franchise expressed its regret and thanked fans for their continued support. They also mentioned that arrangements are being made to help fans stay connected through live fan engagement sessions and digital content.
All refund and fan-related information will be updated regularly on Sportskeedaa, so stay tuned.
Changes in Playoff Venues
It’s not just this one match that has been affected by the rains. IPL authorities have also made changes to the playoff venues to ensure that the rest of the tournament is completed smoothly. With the threat of rain looming over many southern cities, key matches such as Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 have been shifted to Mullanpur and Ahmedabad, which are expected to have better weather during that period. The grand finale of IPL 2025 will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, as originally planned.
These adjustments show the league’s flexibility and its commitment to providing uninterrupted cricket action for fans. Such measures are crucial to maintaining the competitive spirit of the tournament and avoiding situations where important matches are cancelled or shortened due to rain.
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Final Thoughts
Venue changes in cricket are never ideal, especially in a tournament like the IPL where home advantage can be a game-changer. But as fans, players, and organisers have come to understand, weather is a factor that cannot be controlled. What can be controlled, however, is how the league responds to such challenges—and in this case, moving the match to Lucknow ensures that fans still get to enjoy the full 20-over experience without the frustration of a washout.
As the tournament progresses and the playoff picture becomes clearer, every match becomes even more important. Teams will need to adapt quickly, stay focused, and give their best—no matter the venue.
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